Our Mission

To provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected big cats with an emphasis on tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars.

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Coming Soon

We are developing a brand new Visitor Education Center! The Education Program at Turpentine Creek is dedicated to helping visitors discover how they can help protect exotic animals and have a memorable experience while visiting the Refuge. It is through education that we can help spread awareness about the struggles animals face due to the exotic pet trade and how everyone can be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Preliminary work for the Visitor Education Center has begun! Construction of a new public water system well will help us not only prepare for the new Visitor Education Center, but also allow us to rescue more animals, expand our facility, and get ready for the future!

How You Can Help Us Now

Educational Opportunities

Kids Day Camps

Sign your cub up to enjoy 3 days of educational activities, tours, crafts, and much more with Turpentine Creek’s Education Department.

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Upcoming Programs

We offer a variety of programs about the animals that call the Refuge home and where they are found in the wild, species conservation, biodiversity, animal adaptations, and so much more.

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Public Outreach

Through educating the public we hope to spread awareness about the exotic pet trade and the struggles animals face in captivity and in the wild.

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Featured Event

Giving Tuesday

Dec 03

You are invited to join us on Dec. 3 for a national day of giving #GivingTuesday. This year, we are kicking off our 2020 Vision: Your Focus. Their Future. We are focusing on the things we can all do to secure the future of our animal residents and those still trapped in the Exotic Pet Trade. We've made it our goal to raise $40,000 to help support the animals' future.

Other Events at the Refuge

Nov 28

Thanksgiving Day

We will be closed at 2pm to allow our team to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Tours run from 10am - 12pm.

Dec 03

Giving Tuesday

Dec 05

Wildlife Conservation Day

All Events

Our visitors say it best

My fiance and I found Turpentine Creek on a list of things to do in Eureka Springs and we were not disappointed! Hannah was so knowledgeable and happy to guide just the two of us on our tour, even in the 20 degree weather. The animals seemed to be fairly active in the cooler weather which was fun to see. All the staff were very friendly.

Ryan H.

I couldn't recommend this place more! We stayed in one of the suites and got to observe not only the animals, but also the hard work that goes into caring for them. Getting to hear the lions caroling in the morning was too cool. We'll definitely be staying again!

Holly P.

“It was amazing to see the large number of big cats in one location that is not a zoo. This place only takes rescue cats and as it is a non-profit sanctuary, they depend entirely on donations. If you love animals and are in the Eureka Springs area, you should visit.”

Amy V.

We had a week vacation and this was our highlight. I highly recommend visiting and staying in the Congo suite! Great experience, wonderful staff, and awesome purpose!!! We will definitely visit again!

Ryan H.

Pretty sure I just left a piece of my heart at the exit, didn't want to leave! Amazingly dedicated staff, 100% straight forward, 100% aware of each animal's rescue and recovery story and their individual personalities. Thoroughly impressed and inspired by this facility, the staff and it's mission.

Tyler B.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Rescuing Exotic Cats Nationwide

Turpentine Creek is a non-profit organization that provides lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected "big cats". Our goal is to provide a lifetime sanctuary for all rescued animals with the care, safety, and well being of the animals as the number one priority. All animals are treated with the dignity and compassion they deserve. Our Eureka Springs, Arkansas, refuge houses nearly 100 animals including tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, bears, ligers, servals, a monkey, a coatimundi, and a macaw.