News Archives | Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Eureka Springs This Fall

In the fall, Eureka Springs comes alive with rich seasonal color as the Ozark Mountains shift into brilliant shades of scarlet, amber, and gold. The crisp mountain air invites long walks through winding streets, scenic overlooks, and forested trails that showcase the region’s dramatic autumn beauty. Just outside town, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge offers a […]

August 22, 2025 View Article

Meet the Local Wildlife: A Guide to Animals Native to the Ozarks

The Ozark Mountains are a haven for nature lovers, offering lush forests, sparkling rivers, and an impressive diversity of wildlife. Whether you’re hiking a quiet trail, kayaking a winding creek, or enjoying a scenic overlook, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some of the region’s fascinating animal residents. The Ozark region is home to bobcats, […]

August 19, 2025 View Article

The Hidden Costs of Safari Parks: Why Accreditation Matters

For many Americans, visiting a safari park is a thrilling way to experience the wonder of exotic animals—right here in the United States. These parks offer a taste of the wild without the need for a passport, allowing guests to see incredible, rare, and endangered species like lions, tigers, and giraffes up close. But not […]

August 13, 2025 View Article

The Catastrophic Toll of the Exotic Pet Trade on Ecosystems

The exotic pet trade is a devastating global industry that drives biodiversity loss, fuels animal suffering, and disrupts ecosystems. At the heart of this crisis are wild cats—like African servals, tigers, and caracals—who are trafficked for profit and novelty, with little regard for their welfare or the environmental consequences. In their native habitats, demand for […]

August 7, 2025 View Article

The First 48: What Happens Right After Rescue

Every rescue is different, but the first 48 hours follow a focused, compassionate process guided by each animal’s needs. When the transport trailer arrives back at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), the time of day determines our immediate steps. Thanks to our Curator’s thoughtful habitat design—including eight feet of space between enclosures and carefully positioned […]

August 6, 2025 View Article

The Hidden Crisis Behind “Cute Cubs”

It starts with a photo. A cub cradled in someone’s lap, eyes full of curiosity, paws oversized, framed in smiles. But what’s missing from the picture is what happens next. That same cub—pulled from its mother far too soon—may never walk properly. This wild cat may live with pain for the rest of its life, […]

July 30, 2025 View Article

Finding Home: What Happens After Confiscation

For animals who have lived their life in confinement, freedom doesn’t always feel safe at first. After years of concrete, lack of space to roam, neglect, and stress, the openness of a habitat can feel like a threat. A patch of grass may go untouched for days, or a den that offers shelter might be […]

July 16, 2025 View Article

When Trauma Goes Beyond Skin Deep

When an animal is rescued, most people think of confinement, cramped spaces, or visible signs of neglect, such as physical wounds. Despite these images being very real, the truth is that some of the deepest wounds aren’t seen at all. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has learned that trauma doesn’t end when a facility is shut […]

July 9, 2025 View Article

The CAt’s Out of the Bag

Not every rescue begins with headlines. Some rescues start in silence – because silence is often the safest place to begin the first steps of healing. In late Spring, eight animals arrived at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) under the quiet protection of our Witness Protection Program. Our rescue team was called to California […]

July 1, 2025 View Article

Witness Protection – A Sanctuary’s Most Dangerous Mission

At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), we’ve seen it all—from heartbreaking neglect to the triumphant transformation of animals who finally know peace. Rescue is the pinnacle of our mission, but it’s also the most dangerous part of our work. Nothing compares to the complexity, planning, and trust required when participating in a witness protection case […]

May 28, 2025 View Article