Big Cats in New York City?!?
Until recently, the public could legally own dangerous big cats. In 2003, headlines revealed that a 425-pound male tiger named Ming was living in a Harlem, New York, apartment. Ming had been purchased as a cub in 2001 and kept as a pet. The alarming situation came to light when Ming bit his owner, leading to the owner’s hospitalization. This incident highlighted the risks of keeping big cats in residential areas and raised concerns about the legal ownership of such animals, sparking greater awareness and discussions around the issue of exotic pet ownership.
Despite being in the northwest corner of Arkansas, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) has rescued exotic cats from similar situations for over 30 years, including the tri-state area. In 2008, TCWR traveled to upstate New York to rescue a tiger named Rayn, two leopards, and one other tiger. In 2018, TCWR returned to New York to rescue two servals (Sammy and Enzo) and a hybrid Savannah cat named Tigger.
Sasha was rescued in 2021 at 11 months old from a private owner in New York. She was purchased as a kitten and spent her first year in a Bronx apartment. Her wild instincts emerged as she grew, making her too dangerous to keep. Her owner contacted the Bronx Zoo for help, and Turpentine Creek was contacted to provide a permanent home. TCWR responded swiftly, giving Sasha a complete medical exam and vaccinations upon arrival.
In 2022, the passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act created laws to restrict private ownership and breeding, but our mission is far from over. Working with government organizations and law enforcement, TCWR continues to be a beacon of hope for large-scale animal rescue efforts and for confiscating exotic animals during criminal cases.
Sasha Finds Freedom at TCWR
At the Refuge, Sasha received a full medical exam before being released into her grassy habitat. As she grew into an adult cougar at the Refuge and out of private ownership, Sasha’s demeanor shifted to a wilder, temperamental personality. As she matured, she expressed dissatisfaction about being around people in our Discovery Area, down the Bear Tunnel. To relieve her of this stress, Sasha was moved down to Rescue Ridge. This area of the Refuge is closed to the public and designated for animals that prefer to be away from people and older, more geriatric animals. Sasha enjoys playing in her pool during the summer and enrichment, such as boomer balls, cardboard boxes, and perfumes. Recently, she had a lot to say to herself when she saw her reflection as her keepers held up a mirror for her. This is a famous self-awareness test in which animal behaviorists and researchers use a mirror to see if an animal can recognize themselves.
The Dark Side of Savannah Cats
While the big cat trade declines, smaller, more vulnerable species are entering the spotlight. A familiar pattern continues—people are influenced by social media and entertainment, leading to impulsive pet ownership. From Clown Fish after Finding Nemo to Belgian Shepherds after Dog, trends drive demand. Today, servals are often portrayed online as glamorous pets—far from reality.
Sammy and Enzo were rescued in July 2018 at just two months old, victims of the exotic pet trade in the U.S. A man in Upstate New York illegally imported servals from Africa, selling at least 32 animals before being stopped. When seized, Sammy and Enzo—along with other cats—were suffering from parasites and metabolic bone disease caused by malnutrition.
This exploitation extends beyond ownership. Servals are bred with domestic cats to create Savannah cats, a process that often involves repeated breeding, stress, and poor welfare conditions for the servals involved.
Today, Sammy and Enzo live at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, where they receive lifelong care and can express natural behaviors alongside other servals.
Most are not as fortunate. As long as demand for exotic pets continues, animals will suffer. Expanding public education is critical to ending this cycle.
BEFORE vs AFTER
While initially stand-offish towards new people, with time and patience, Enzo gradually warmed up. Enzo loves to take leisurely naps on his fire hose benches or underneath the platforms in his habitat.
Sammy is an energetic and friendly cat who loves to run up and greet his keepers, often walking along the fence line with them as they make their rounds. He shows his excitement with a mix of chirps, purrs, and the occasional hiss-like sound, all unique vocalizations that highlight his playful personality.
Falling Through the Cracks: The Small Cat Crisis
Go behind the scenes of the Small Cat Crisis here in the United States as we follow the story of Zuri, a privately owned African Serval. Here testimonial experience from Zuri’s owner and the process of rescuing and rehoming from Turpentine Creek.
From New York to Sanctuary: Tigger’s Journey Through the Exotic Pet Trade
Tigger’s story reveals the cruelty of the U.S. exotic pet trade. Rescued in New York, he came from an illegal operation trafficking small African wildcats, where 32 animals were sold before authorities intervened. In 2018, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) rescued Tigger alongside two servals. All arrived with parasites and required immediate care. Tigger had also been declawed on all four paws, a lifelong injury.
A Savannah cat is a serval–domestic hybrid, though Tigger’s lineage is unknown. Now at Freedom Field, he is vocal and bold—chirping, mewing, and showing a spirited “small but mighty” personality among his neighbors.