Chaz's Story

Chaz was born to Priscilla, a pregnant female tiger who came to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) due to the federal government’s request for us to assist with seizing 68 big cats from Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (Tiger King Park). TCWR’s President, Tanya Smith, coordinated with the Department of Justice (D.O.J.) and the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA) members to facilitate this high-profile rescue. Months of silent preparation culminated in officers escorting the TCWR team to the facility for three days’ worth of boots-on-the-ground execution. Our team transported 10 seized cats to the Refuge and eight others to two additional GFAS-accredited sanctuaries. GFAS stands for the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Its mission is to recognize sanctuaries for achieving the highest standards of excellence in animal care, promote collaboration, and raise awareness for their work. TCWR is one of nine GFAS-accredited sanctuaries in North America dedicated to preserving big cats.

Unlike his mother, Priscilla, who was rescued from a cub petting operation, Chaz will know the freedom and safety of true Refuge his whole life. Chaz lives with his brother, Butch; it is common for siblings to live with each other in the wild until they are twenty-four months old. Chaz is a white tiger that is highly vocal and extremely food-motivated. He tends to stay very close to the comfort of his brother, and his favorite enrichment is cardboard.