Tigger's Story

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) rescued Tigger and four other tigers in 2019 from a private owner in Oklahoma. The owner claimed to have saved these five tigers from being euthanized after they had outgrown the cub petting industry from two different places. Initially, the USDA revoked this man’s license and banned him from obtaining a new one. However, that didn’t stop him from acquiring the animals with his girlfriend’s license. He proceeded to build cages in the front yard of his rental property, where he, too, was aiding in cub petting. He reached out to TCWR because he was evicted from his property. Unfortunately, the sixth tiger we found there (Diesel) had to be euthanized due to a tick-born infection that veterinary care can cure if treated early. The five tigers ranged from 16 months to four years old and lived in deplorable conditions while suffering from extreme obesity. With proper veterinary care and a strict and healthy diet aided by cognitive enrichment, the five tigers transformed beautifully at TCWR.

Tigger’s unique coloration is called a ‘Golden Tabby Tiger’ or strawberry tiger, and only 30 are known to exist worldwide. This variation has never occurred in the wild and results from selective breeding in captivity for exploitation and profit. Tigger enjoys napping throughout most of the day – preferably in the shade. Some of his favorite enrichment items are cardboard boxes and tubes hidden throughout his habitat with a sprinkle of spices or perfume. Additionally, he enjoys stalking his caretakers and anything he may see interesting in his surroundings. He is a highly sociable tiger who will come to greet anyone who calls his name and comes to visit.