Roman's Story

Roman arrived at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) with 33 other animals during the Colorado Project of 2016-2017. TCWR acquired a closing, 12-acre roadside establishment with 115 animals living in deplorable conditions with minimal veterinary care. Due to health issues, the previous owner needed to find a new home for all the animals he had acquired. Many enclosures had access doors made of rotting plywood and a padlock to contain these apex predators. Additionally, they existed on compacted dirt and woodchips with nails, with little shade from the glaring eastern Colorado sun. Our team worked on-site for six months and collaborated with other accredited Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) sanctuaries to transport and provide lifelong refuge to these animals. During this period, TCWR assisted in founding the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA) to unite accredited sanctuaries for future rescues and to educate and provide awareness to the public about the plight of the growing wild cat crisis.

Roman has severe crossed eyes due to excessive inbreeding and arrived at the Refuge with an abscessed tooth. While removing the abscessed tooth, Roman underwent a complete wellness exam, showing good health despite his crossed eyes. He also received preventative vaccinations that he will continue to receive yearly at the Refuge to ensure he gets the best quality of life. Roman is energetic and enjoys shredding cardboard boxes, tubes, pumpkins, and Christmas trees – just as much as he loves chasing his toys down the hilly habitat. He enjoys playing in the water, whether enjoying a cool bath from his keepers, playing in the rain, or splashing in his pool.