Blog | Page 5 of 50 | Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Beyond the Big Cats: Addressing the Small Wildcat Crisis in the Wake of the BCPSA

The Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA) was passed into law by the United States President, Joe Biden, in December 2022. The BCPSA prohibits the private possession of big cats, including species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, cougar, or any hybrid of these species. Additionally, the BCPSA prohibits direct contact with big cat cubs […]

March 4, 2025 View Article

World Wildlife Day 2025

Every year on March 3, we celebrate the planet’s beautiful flora and fauna with World Wildlife Day! We take this important day to appreciate not only how amazing our world is but also our place in it. We acknowledge that the health of the world around us depends on our actions, just as our health […]

March 3, 2025 View Article

When an Animal Species is Classified as Endangered: Why it Matters and How We Can Help

When an animal species is classified as endangered, it’s more than just a warning sign – this classification marks an urgent call to action. Endangerment refers to a species at serious risk of extinction, driven by a combination of human activities, environmental changes, and biological challenges. Endangerment is often a slow process, resulting in the […]

February 24, 2025 View Article

From the movie Mufasa to Reality: How TCWR Restores the Circle of Life for Lions

Disney’s highly anticipated movie Mufasa will debut on streaming services at the beginning of March, sparking a renewed admiration for lions and the intricate balance of nature’s ‘Circle of Life.’ While the film captivates audiences with its breathtaking story and visuals, it’s important to remember the real-life challenges these big cats face today. At Turpentine […]

February 14, 2025 View Article

Beat the Heat: Spay Awareness Month

It’s February again, which means it is now Spay Awareness Month. Spaying and neutering your pets is the best way to curb the problem of overpopulation in the U.S. In 2023 alone, over six million dogs and cats entered animal shelters needing homes. Unfortunately, there are not enough shelters or staff to care for all […]

February 11, 2025 View Article

Behind the Scenes of a Rescue

Rescuing wild cats and bears is no easy feat. It requires expertise, planning, teamwork, and, above all, a deep commitment to providing lifetime Refuge for these animal victims. At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), each rescue is a testament to unwavering hope, true compassion, and dedication. Here is a glimpse of what it looks like […]

February 3, 2025 View Article

A Season for Warmth: TCWR’s Heating Up Campaign

As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, providing warmth and comfort for all the animals at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge becomes a priority. Earlier this month, we dedicated a blog article explaining how we provide warmth for our smaller African cats by ensuring they can access a heated building. While this effort is vital, […]

January 28, 2025 View Article

Like, Share, Exploit: The Hidden Cost of Viral Videos

Each year, tens of millions of animals are drawn into the exotic pet trade for various reasons, fueling a multi-billion-dollar global industry. In recent years, social media has played a significant role in this surge, with an increasing number of exotic animals entering homes and appearing in widely shared online videos. These videos, often portraying […]

January 14, 2025 View Article

Cozy Comforts: Helping Our Animals Thrive This Winter

At TCWR, the well-being of all our rescued animals is at the heart of our mission. Ensuring that all our resident wild cats and bears survive and thrive throughout the seasons requires a deep understanding of each species’ needs and requirements. This commitment is evident during the winter months when special attention is given to […]

January 7, 2025 View Article

A Long Winter Nap at TCWR

Did you know that bears don’t actually hibernate in the way most people think? Instead of hibernation, bears will undergo a process known as torpor, similar to hibernation. Torpor is a state in which an animal experiences reduced physiological activity, marked by a slower heart rate, decreased metabolism, slower respiration, or lowered body temperature (Merriam-Webster, […]

January 2, 2025 View Article