Bam-Bam's Story

In 2009, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) was contacted by a man living in Oklahoma who needed to rehome nine tigers and two bears. The two bears, Bam Bam, a two-year-old grizzly bear, and Thunder, a one-year-old black bear, were housed inside a barn. When the team arrived, Bam Bam lived in a 10′ x 20′ cage, which was well-constructed and clean. However, at two years old, he had begun to outgrow his living quarters and desperately needed a new home to provide adequate space. TCWR paired up with another sanctuary that provided lifetime Refuge for the nine tigers needing a home. Bam Bam was released into his spacious, grassy habitat – with an inground pool – in the fall of 2013. There is no denying that Bam Bam has become a household name and a fan-favorite among all of the guests who visit TCWR. Every November 7th (known as Bam Bam Day) is dedicated to Bam Bam to celebrate the mission of Rescue to Refuge and to remember the day we released him into his incredible habitat.

With his bubbly and curious personality, there is never a dull moment in watching Bam Bam rummage through his habitat. Every morning, Bam Bam’s caretakers scatter fruit throughout the habitat to encourage him to use his natural behaviors – something he would have to rely on in the wild. When he isn’t foraging for food, he spends most of his summer days playing in his customized in-ground pool or practicing his balancing skills while he spins and twirls around large branches. In the winter, Bam Bam often collects leaves, branches, Christmas trees – one of his favorite enrichment items, and mulch to build his nest inside his den.