Big Cats in New York City?!?
Until recently, the public could legally own dangerous big cats. In 2003, headlines revealed that a 425-pound male tiger named Ming was living in a Harlem, New York, apartment. Ming had been purchased as a cub in 2001 and kept as a pet. The alarming situation came to light when Ming bit his owner, leading to the owner’s hospitalization. This incident highlighted the risks of keeping big cats in residential areas and raised concerns about the legal ownership of such animals, sparking greater awareness and discussions around the issue of exotic pet ownership.
Despite being in the northwest corner of Arkansas, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) has rescued exotic cats from similar situations for over 30 years, including the tri-state area. In 2008, TCWR traveled to upstate New York to rescue a tiger named Rayn, two leopards, and one other tiger. In 2018, TCWR returned to New York to rescue two servals (Sammy and Enzo) and a hybrid Savannah cat named Tigger.
Sasha was rescued in 2021 at 11 months old from a private owner in New York. She was purchased as a kitten and spent her first year in a Bronx apartment. Her wild instincts emerged as she grew, making her too dangerous to keep. Her owner contacted the Bronx Zoo for help, and Turpentine Creek was contacted to provide a permanent home. TCWR responded swiftly, giving Sasha a complete medical exam and vaccinations upon arrival.
In 2022, the passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act created laws to restrict private ownership and breeding, but our mission is far from over. Working with government organizations and law enforcement, TCWR continues to be a beacon of hope for large-scale animal rescue efforts and for confiscating exotic animals during criminal cases.
Sasha Finds Freedom at TCWR
At the Refuge, Sasha received a full medical exam before being released into her grassy habitat. As she grew into an adult cougar at the Refuge and out of private ownership, Sasha’s demeanor shifted to a wilder, temperamental personality. As she matured, she expressed dissatisfaction about being around people in our Discovery Area, down the Bear Tunnel. To relieve her of this stress, Sasha was moved down to Rescue Ridge. This area of the Refuge is closed to the public and designated for animals that prefer to be away from people and older, more geriatric animals. Sasha enjoys playing in her pool during the summer and enrichment, such as boomer balls, cardboard boxes, and perfumes. Recently, she had a lot to say to herself when she saw her reflection as her keepers held up a mirror for her. This is a famous self-awareness test in which animal behaviorists and researchers use a mirror to see if an animal can recognize themselves.
