Mauri'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 Stark. The court’s findings resulted in all hybrid species gaining protection under the Endangered Species Act. Government agencies often call in Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) to handle high-profile cases like this. Thankful to our donors, TCWR was able to provide forever homes for eight cats: four lions and four tigers. All eight animals suffered from inadequate care, resulting in infestations of intestinal parasites, inhumane declaw procedures, and other health-related concerns. One of those animals rescued was a lioness named Mauri.

After her arrival, we gave Mauri a complete wellness exam, including preventative vaccinations and birth control. She had been declawed in the past, causing her to walk flat-footed. While Mauri has enjoyed soccer-like play with her smaller boomer ball toys over the years, we recently moved her to Rescue Ridge to encourage her to go easier on her sore paws. Mauri relishes scratching on the big logs in her habitat. She enjoys a good quality of life due to the pain medications and additional supplements we provide in her raw meat diet. Mauri lives alone but is exceptionally social and enjoys caroling with the other lions. She enjoys watching her neighbors and walking along the fence line with her keepers.