Ungowwa's Story

In September 2020, after years of litigation, Tim Stark was court-ordered to relinquish 200 animals at his Charlestown, Indiana ‘pay-to-play’ facility. Due to increased public scrutiny and pressure placed on authorities, the court order stemmed from inhumane declaw procedures and his highly profitable cub petting photo opportunities. This rescue involved missing and abandoned animals, SWAT teams, U.S. Marshals, and threats of violence from Tim Stark. The ruling that all hybrid species were now protected under the Endangered Species Act played a pivotal role in protecting big cats of all kinds. Government organizations often call in Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) to handle high-profile cases like this one in Indiana. Thankful to our donors, TCWR was able to provide forever homes for eight animals, including Ungowwa, three other lions, and and four tigers. All eight animals suffered from inadequate care, resulting in infestations of intestinal parasites, inhumane declaw jobs, and other health-related concerns.

When we rescued Ungowwa, she lived with a white tiger named Glacier. We speculate that Stark likely kept the two together in hopes of breeding a white Tigon (a tiger/lion hybrid). When the pair arrived at the Refuge, we kept them apart until Glacier was neutered. Now reunited, Ungowwa and Glacier remain great habitat mates and companions. Unlike other lions, she loves to play in the snow. She enjoys her daily naps on her bench platform or nestled in the leaves along the bottom fence line of her habitat. Even for her age, Ungowwa showcases her energetic and curious nature through enrichment, socializing with her neighbors, and running along the fence line.