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Admission To The Refuge Turpentine Creek is open every day of the year except Christmas. The Refuge is open from 9 AM - 6 PM in the summer months and 9 AM - 5 PM in the winter months. Admission Prices:
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 – from 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 – mostly chicken, thanks to the generosity of Tyson foods
– to all the cats at the refuge. 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 (Seasonal – call ahead for hours) 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 ½ 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 (Seasonal) 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. Call ahead for topics.
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