Quitman Safari Park Rescue

In 2002, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) answered an urgent call from Safari Park, a private exotic animal breeding facility in Quitman, Arkansas. After losing his original property, the owner had relocated dozens of big cats to another location where inadequate enclosures and deteriorating conditions threatened their welfare.

The facility had been breeding exotic animals for the private pet trade, contributing to the growing crisis of captive big cats in need of permanent homes.

Initially, the owner contacted TCWR seeking placement for six of the 66 cats in his possession. Our team returned to the Refuge with the first group of tigers, including Jerry, Haley, Whitney, Roulon, Tammy, and Garth. Their condition immediately raised concerns. Each tiger consumed nearly 40 pounds of meat on their first night, displaying intense food-related behaviors that suggested they had experienced prolonged nutritional deprivation.

Just weeks later, the situation took a tragic turn.

Four lions escaped their enclosures at Safari Park and attacked a camel. Local law enforcement responded, ultimately shooting and killing all four lions. The incident exposed the dangerous consequences of inadequate containment and irresponsible exotic animal ownership.

The following morning, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the facility’s owner contacted TCWR Vice President Scott Smith. Overwhelmed and unable to continue caring for the remaining 56 animals, he asked whether he could legally shoot them.

Our team knew immediate action was necessary to prevent another tragedy.

Upon arriving at the property, rescuers encountered overwhelming odors and unsanitary conditions. Many cats were living amid accumulated waste, without the proper nutrition, space, or veterinary attention they desperately needed.

Over six to seven trips, TCWR worked to safely remove the animals and coordinate placements with other sanctuaries. Twenty-one big cats ultimately found refuge at Turpentine Creek, while the remaining animals were relocated to Tiger Haven in Tennessee.

For the cats who arrived at TCWR, recovery began with comprehensive veterinary assessments, nutritious diets, and carefully managed nutritional supplementation, including taurine and calcium to address deficiencies and support their health.

With consistent meals, medical treatment, and patient care, the animals gradually recovered from the effects of prolonged neglect. Their progress demonstrated the importance of proper nutrition, specialized veterinary attention, and a stable environment where wild animals can express natural behaviors.

The Safari Park rescue remains a defining chapter in TCWR’s history, illustrating the devastating consequences of commercial breeding and the exotic pet trade. When facilities fail, it is often the animals who pay the greatest price.

Thanks to the dedication of our rescue team and the generosity of our supporters, these survivors received something they had long been denied: the opportunity to live in safety, with dignity and compassionate care for the remainder of their lives.