News Archives | Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

The Serval: A Master Hunter Perfectly Adapted for the Wild

With their large ears and long legs (and we can’t forget their impeccable agility), the African Serval stands out as one of the most efficient hunters in the wild. They are strictly built for one thing: capturing prey. Whether it is leaping nine feet in the air to catch birds in flight or stealthily creeping […]

April 23, 2025 View Article

Cheers to 33 Years of Turpentine Creek

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) commemorates its 33rd anniversary by hosting Sanctuary Soiree at the Park. Held at the historic Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, this milestone event is the perfect backdrop for President and Founder Tanya Smith to introduce our newly expanded mission statement and refreshed logo, representing our evolving role in […]

April 12, 2025 View Article

Fighting the Spread: Bird Flu’s Impact on Wildcats

The rise of the Bird Flu, specifically the Influenza virus subtype H5N1, has been a growing concern for Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) since November/December of 2022. Initially identified in 1996 in Southern China among waterfowl, causing only mild disease, this highly contagious viral subtype steadily spread worldwide, devastating poultry flocks across the globe as […]

March 25, 2025 View Article

The Scoop on Poop: International Pooper Scooper Week

TCWR celebrates International Pooper Scooper Week April 1-7. International Pooper Scooper Week was established by the Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (APAWS) to raise awareness among pet owners about the importance of scooping up our pet waste to prevent potentially dangerous illnesses from being spread. Animal feces can carry numerous diseases and parasites that […]

March 20, 2025 View Article

The Legacy of Rescued Wildcats: How Their Stories Continue to Inspire Change

At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), the stories of rescued big cats like so many who have called TCWR home, are more than just tales of survival—they are powerful reminders of the urgent need for change and the lasting impact that advocacy can create. Each rescued animal at the Refuge, whether it’s a tiger, lion, […]

March 20, 2025 View Article

From Darkness to Freedom: Fred’s Journey from the Illegal Wildlife Trade to Sanctuary Life

For over 32 years, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) has been a beacon of hope for big cats rescued from neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Among those saved is Fred, a young tiger whose story embodies the tragic consequences of illegal wildlife trade—and the sanctuary’s unwavering commitment to providing rescued animals with a second chance at […]

March 11, 2025 View Article

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