Abigail's Story

A roadside zoo in Branson, MO, housed several reptiles, aquatic animals, and mammals, including five tigers, a lion, a black bear, a leopard, and a coatimundi. One day, an incident occurred when a young keeper entered the enclosure of three tiger siblings, Chuff, Abigail, and Athena, to take pictures. He slipped and fell, triggering the cats’ prey instincts, and they attacked, leaving him paralyzed for the remainder of his life. The roadside zoo needed to find new homes for their mammals, including Chuff, Abigail, and Athena, two other tigers, a lion, a black bear, a leopard, and a coatimundi. The roadside zoo called Turpentine Creek, and we immediately left to rescue the animals.

During their first few years at the Refuge, Abigail and her sibling were extremely aggressive toward the TCWR Animal Care Staff. Over the years, Chuff and Athena became more calm and comfortable as they adapted to their new life. Unfortunately, Abigail remained quite aggressive and often fought with her siblings. We chose to separate her into her habitat away from the public at Rescue Ridge, which helped her to complete her transformation at the Refuge. Her favorite things include playing with her boomer balls, spindles, and other enrichment items. However, providing boxes of various sizes for her to crush is the fastest way to her heart. Abigail enjoys stalking her neighbors and spending most of her days in the sun, soaking up her newfound freedom. Abigail has become one of TCWR’s older residents and receives additional supplements like glucosamine and cod liver oil to help with mobility and any chronic inflammation she may experience daily.