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BamBam Press Release

News Release
October 9, 2013
For Immediate Release

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to hold grand opening of all new grizzly bear habitat November 3

Bam Bam, Arkansas’ most popular grizzly bear gets new home with custom-built swimming pool

(Eureka Springs, AR) – October 9, 2013 – Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) will introduce their popular grizzly bear, Bam Bam, to his new enlarged habitat with a grand opening celebration at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 3.

Bam Bam, a 6-year old male grizzly bear rescued by TCWR in 2009 from a private owner, has become a visitor favorite with his “hind-n-seek” antics and love of his miniature stock tank soaking pool. Thanks to private and corporate donors, Bam Bam will move from a small concrete and wire enclosure to almost a half-acre natural habitat featuring an in-ground swimming pool with a waterfall.

Bam Bam will be relocated from his current enclosure to his new indoor den in the all-new Bear Bungalow Building. His den door will be opened an 10 a.m. with a special ceremony so visitors can see Bam Bam feel grass between his paws for the first time.

“I can’t begin to tell you how excited all of us are to see Bam Bam experience his new home. His custom designed pool will be a big hit thanks to the generosity of Randy Murray and his wonderful team at Aquacrete out of Bella Vista,” said Tanya Smith, TCWR president and co-founder. “This highlights our goal of replacing all concrete enclosures with large, natural habitats where our animals can run and play for the rest of their lives,” added Smith.

All interns, staff and the refuge board of directors will be on hand for this historic achievement by Arkansas’ most popular wildlife sanctuary. The refuge opens at 9 a.m. for wildlife viewing with hourly Walking Tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trolley tours also available. Wildlife feedings start at 5 p.m.

Normal admission prices apply, $15 for adults, $10 for children 12-under, seniors, and military members. Children under 3 are free. Donations and volunteers are welcome and help pay for ongoing care of more than 130 tigers, lions, cougars, bears and other endangered wildlife making TCWR a life-long home. For refuge details, visit www.www.turpentinecreek.org or call (479) 253-5841.

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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Background
Founded in 1992, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization operating one of America’s largest big cat sanctuaries. The 450-acre refuge, located 7 miles south of Eureka Springs, is home to over 130 big cats and other endangered wildlife. Open everyday, the refuge has been voted one of Arkansas’ Top 10 Destinations and is rated the #1 Attraction in Eureka Springs by TripAdvisor.com.

Additional Information Sources & Photos
https://www.turpentinecreek.org

https://www.facebook.com/TurpentineCreekWildlifeRefuge/photos_stream
http://www.aquacrete.net/index2.php#/home/

Press Contacts
Eric Studer – ericstuder@mac.com (214) 676-3860
Tanya Smith – Tanya@www.turpentinecreek.org (479) 253-3715


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