Nakita's Story

Nakita is one of seven tigers rescued in April 2025 from a private facility in Pahrump, Nevada, where she endured years of neglect in unsafe, debris-filled enclosures with little access to clean water. Now safe at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), Nakita is beginning her journey toward healing.

Nakita – an orange tigress – received a thorough veterinary evaluation after traveling 1,450 miles to our Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)–accredited facility in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. While underweight, her physical health is being closely monitored and supported with a specialized care plan. However, the emotional scars are most evident. Nakita shows clear signs of deep trauma and remains slow to trust humans—a response we respect and accommodate with patience and understanding.

At TCWR, every animal is allowed to adjust at their own pace, free from pressure or expectation. Nakita’s care includes a tailored diet, veterinary monitoring, and enrichment designed to nurture both her physical and emotional well-being. Our team works daily to provide the compassionate care she needs to feel safe in her new home.