|
|
TCWR Documentary
A brief documentary about the people and wildlife at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and its history of providing lifetime sanctuary to hundreds of exotic animals.
by: Charles Ragsdell, II
Recurring Meat Donation
Turpentine Creek needs your help providing meat for the cats.
We need $6,000 each month to provide the meat we cannot get for free. Please help. Any monthly amount you send goes a long way to keeping our cats well-fed and happy.
Thanks for helping us keep the 'food wagon' filled.
Printable Guide Map (Click image to open larger map)
|
|
 |
Front of Map |
Back of Map |
Park Info
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a USDA licensed refuge for Big Cats, is a short 7 miles from the historic tourist town of Eureka Spring, AR, on scenic highway 23.
We are open every day, except Christmas Day, and an all-day pass is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for Veterans, Senior Citizens and Children (ages 3-12), with children under three admitted free.
Turning into the main driveway, our visitors are treated to a breath-taking view of the gorgeous Ozark Mountains on one side and a view of our beautiful event field on the other.
The drive itself feeds into our large parking area, from which visitors then enter our main Gift Shop/Reception area - a large converted barn, newly redecorated inside and out and having a large selection of gift items for all ages.
Our staff checks visitors in, briefly explains our mission, and directs guests to our main compound area where they will be treated to an up-close view of a variety of our beautiful Big Cats and other animals.
Lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my!), in addition to several of our beautiful cougars, are in the main compound area where visitors are as close as five feet away from these magnificent creatures. Each animal has its story/history plaque on the front of its cage for this self-guided tour, with visitors taking as long as they like to enjoy 'meeting' them.
Picnic tables and benches are in full view of the animals, making Turpentine Creek a fun adventure for individuals, couples, and families alike.
Admission To The Refuge
Turpentine Creek is open every day of the year except Christmas. The self-guided area is open from 9 AM - 6 PM in the summer months and 9 AM - 5 PM in the winter months. Guided tours run every hour on the hour from 11AM - 3PM with feeding time at 4PM in the winter months and 11AM - 4PM with feeding time at 5PM in the summer months.
Admission Prices:
|
Under Age 3 |
FREE |
|
Ages 3-12 |
$10 |
|
Ages 13+ |
$15 |
|
Seniors |
$10 |
|
Veterans |
$10 |
Education Station
Turpentine Creek's goal is for every visitor to learn more about the plight of big cats in the U.S. A visit to our Education Station will ensure everyone leaves with a better understanding of the refuge's mission. Many visual displays outline the physiology of big cats. Our "Touch and Feel" center lets you get hands on with cat fur, whiskers, toys, and more. A medical display educates you on several common ailments the refuge encounters including ingrown claws to abscessed teeth. On display are an actual tiger claw and cougar canine (removed for medical purposes). Browse through our "In the News" section as you watch our official TCWR video. A trip to the Education Station completes your experience at one of the largest big cat refuges in the world.
Feeding Time
Feeding time at Turpentine Creek is an event not to be missed. Every day, the hard-working interns prepare and feed over 1000 pounds of meat! While viewing feeding time, visitors can experience the true power of these big cats; hear the low growl of the tigers, high pitched screams of the cougars, and caroling of the lions. Our cats are fed once a day, in the evening, in order to simulate their natural instincts to hunt during the evening and overnight. All guests visiting the refuge at any time during the day are encouraged to either stay or come back (free of charge) to witness this truly amazing event. Feeding times range from 4 p.m. (in the winter) to 5 p.m. (in the summer), but it is best to call ahead to ensure you do not miss any of the excitement.
Habitat Tours
Starting at 11 a.m. each day, Turpentine Creek offers a guided tour of our natural habitats. Over half of our animals reside in these large enclosures. The goal of the refuge is to house every animal in a habitat on our 459 acres. The half mile walking tour is guided by one of our biologist or zoologist interns. The intern educates the public about the refuge, the different species of animals, and each enclosure. Information is provided about rescues, construction, and donations in order to keep the facility expanding. This is a great opportunity to watch the big cats running, playing, and stalking just like they would in the wild. The tours run every hour, on the hour, from 11 a.m. until one hour before feeding time.
Keeper Talks
One of Turpentine Creek's most important missions is education. The more informed the public is about big cats, the more likely they are to understand the importance of the refuge. Keeper Talks are designed to give the public an up close and personal look into the big cat world. The topics vary from specific information on our different species to general information on all big cats and the refuge. Keeper Talks are 20 minute presentations conducted by our biologists and zoologists in our main compound. Personal interaction with our educated staff make it easy for all your questions to be answered. The talks are only on the weekends, Saturdays 10:40 a.m. and 2:40 p.m. and Sundays 10:40 a.m.
Wild At Heart Volume 1
This is a volume of short stories about wild animals, big cat rescues, shapeshifters and anything that would showcase the plight of large wild creatures and their need to have safe homes and/or freedom. This anthology was produced by the Diamond State Romance Authors as a project of love to benefit the rescued animals of the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. All profits from this collection will go directly to the refuge to help with the care and feeding of these wonderful creatures.
Wild At Heart Volume 2
This volume of short stories includes a wonderful variety of contemporary and paranormal tales, and was produced by the Diamond State Romance Authors as a project of love to benefit the residents of the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. All profits from this collection will go directly to the refuge to help with the care and feeding of the rescued animals. The stories in this volume were inspired by the animals. If you enjoy them, we hope you’ll recommend the book to friends, and doesn’t everyone need to feel a little Wild at Heart?
Contact/Donation Info
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
239 Turpentine Creek Lane
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479.253.5841
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Location
Visitor Information
Turpentine Creek is open every
day of the year except Christmas.
- Summer Hours 9 AM - 6 PM
- Winter Hours 9 AM - 5 PM
