Kyro the Li-Liger's Story

Kyro came to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) in May of 2021 when the Refuge assisted the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ.) in seizing 68 big cats from Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (Tiger King Park) in Oklahoma. The previous owners refused to follow multiple court orders to cease breeding and failed to maintain and provide veterinarian records, resulting in authorities serving a warrant to seize all animals. The animals lived in debilitating conditions, inside 10′ x 20′ metal and wire “shipping containers” with sand or rotting plywood flooring.

TCWR became home to 13 of these animals, whom we placed in our Witness Protection Program during the litigation of this high-profile case. The lawsuit required TCWR to remain silent about the details of their story to supporters and the public. The DOJ placed the remaining 55 big cats in sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

Kyro arrived at the Refuge with many concerns, the most critical of which was his inability to stand or move without falling over. The young li-liger was also missing a good portion of his ears due to untreated and unprotected fly strikes and suffered chronic calluses on his hind limbs from the substrate he’d lived on.
We immediately treated Kyro with high doses of the vitamins his body needed to prevent permanent damage. Within three months, Kyro could not only walk but also run for the joy of it! Kyro has a bold and comical personality. He loves rolling down his hill or throwing his enrichment items around in the air. His favorite enrichment is pumpkins.