We Are Going Global
Help Us Complete Our Historic International Rescues!
For the first time in Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge’s history, we are undertaking two critical international rescues—one in Canada and another in the Little French Key located off the coast of Honduras. These missions will bring home six lions from Canada, including two cubs born in July, and three lions from Little French Key, all in urgent need of lifelong care.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Liebchen’s Gift Foundation, every dollar you give today will be matched—doubling your impact.
That means you can help us reach our $200,000 goal twice as fast, ensuring these life-saving rescues happen before it’s too late. Your gift, multiplied by this challenge, has the power to transform lives and give these animals the second chance they deserve.
Why Your Support Matters
These big cats are more than just rescues—they are lives that depend on a safe, permanent sanctuary where they can heal and thrive for the rest of their lives. Bringing them home is a complex and urgent mission that involves long, difficult journeys by land, air, and sea, navigating international borders, and countless logistical hurdles.
This process requires resources, expertise, and unwavering care to ensure their safety and well-being. Your support is crucial—not just to bring them here, but to provide the lifelong sanctuary they deserve.
The need is immediate, and the journey is challenging. With your help, we can give these cats the safe haven they urgently need and a future filled with dignity and care.
Why is TCWR going International?
FAQ - Click Here to Expand
TCWR’s Commitment to Rescue: Prioritizing National Needs and Addressing Recent International Rescues
At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), our mission remains steadfast: to rescue and provide lifelong sanctuary for captive wild animals. We are driven by the conviction that every captive animal merits a secure and dignified existence, and we endeavor to cultivate a world where these captive wild animals are no longer exploited.
Subsequent to the enactment of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, TCWR observed an immediate shift in rescue inquiries within the United States from big cats to small cats. Last year, we experienced a record volume of small cat rescue requests, which swiftly occupied our small cat habitats in Freedom Field. This year, we received two international calls for assistance regarding big cats, and following the rescue of 12 big cats in two separate U.S. operations, we now have available space at TCWR to respond to these appeals.
First and Foremost: Our Commitment to National Rescues
It is imperative to underscore that TCWR’s paramount focus consistently remains on animals within the United States. Our resources and expertise are most effectively deployed in addressing the needs of animals domestically. We actively collaborate with national organizations and address situations where animals within the states are enduring neglect, abuse, or abandonment.
Exceptional Circumstances: Addressing International Cases
Recently, we have disseminated information regarding two impending international rescues in Honduras and Canada. Some of our devoted supporters may have inquiries concerning these rescues. We aim to be transparent with you: these exceptional cases necessitate our intervention due to unique circumstances.
How We Decided to Act
Prior to intervening, TCWR confirmed with Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance partners that no large U.S. big-cat seizures were imminent. With space available—and an urgent need—we proceeded.
Honduras (Little French Key): A family-operated resort concluded that it could not adequately meet the long-term needs of its big cats. After a three-year search for placement, the family was connected to TCWR via Carole Baskin/Big Cat Rescue (which entrusted TCWR with the rehoming of 33 animals upon its closure). Given the critical timeframe, we agreed to accept three lions and enlisted the assistance of another accredited sanctuary to rescue the five tigers housed there.
Canada: Following the closure of a roadside zoo, six lions were relocated to a temporary facility licensed for native wildlife. With Canada’s sole GFAS-accredited big-cat sanctuary at capacity, Humane World contacted TCWR. When two cubs were subsequently born, the group expanded to eight. TCWR coordinated accredited placements, accepting four adults and two cubs, while a partner sanctuary committed to the remaining three, thereby securing permanent sanctuary and averting the risk of euthanasia.
Working Together Saved Them All
Public agencies and national groups were unable to finance housing and care. TCWR assessed the welfare and resources and agreed to accept nine lions (six from Canada, three from Honduras). Fellow BCSA sanctuaries supported the other three lions (Canada) and five tigers (Honduras), ensuring that every big cat in these cases found an accredited sanctuary.
Resource Stewardship & Your Support
We exercise careful stewardship: These international rescues are financed through a distinct campaign to ensure that U.S. animal care remains fully supported. A partner foundation is matching gifts on a 1:1 basis up to $100,000 toward the total cost of $200,000 required to fund these rescues. We are committed to full transparency and can provide allocation details at any time.
Your Trust and Our Mission
We highly value your trust in TCWR and are dedicated to upholding our mission with integrity and transparency. We invite you to learn more about our national and international work by visiting our website or contacting us directly. Your support empowers us to extend assistance to captive wild animals in need, affording them an opportunity for a life characterized by dignity, respect, and affection. Your support is more critical now than ever.
Thank you for being an integral part of the TCWR family. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Foundation team members.
As TCWR’s first International Rescue, things may look different.
Here is how:
International animal rescues are complex operations involving numerous logistical, legal, and regulatory considerations that can evolve quickly. Above all, the health and safety of the animals is our highest priority, and we take every precaution to ensure their well-being throughout the process. While we work diligently to minimize risks during transfer, we ask for your understanding that unforeseen challenges can arise on any front. We remain committed to transparency and encourage everyone to follow us on social media for ongoing updates as the rescue progresses.
Adopt/Sponsor the Lions of the Little French Keys
Pre-order Today and Receive Email Updates on their Rescue
Cyrus
Cyrus is a fragile lion, emaciated and possibly suffering from pancreatic issues, but he retains a calm and gentle demeanor that hints at a peaceful nature despite his hardships.
Juancito
Juancito, a sweet and sociable creature, bears the scars of inbreeding and declawing through arthritis, yet he continues to show kindness and resilience.
Zephora
Sephora, lively and playful, has endured bacterial skin and enzyme problems, and her tail-biting behavior reflects her need for comfort and self-soothing after surviving so much trauma.
NOTE:
Adoptions and Sponsorships for the cats coming from the Little French Keys are for pre-order only.
If you adopt or sponsor one of these cats, you will receive email updates as they make their way by boat, plane, or motorized vehicle from Central America to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.
Thank You to Our Generous Supporters!
These individuals have donated a significant gift to our matching donation from the Liebchen’s Gift Foundation, doubling the impact and bringing these animals one step closer to their new forever home at the Refuge.
Henry & Marilyn Lieberman
Judy & Steve Abate
Louis & Deborah Ciucci
Brad & Sandy Johnson
Annabelle Steelman
Judy Unrath