Tigers, leopards and cougars – big cat rescue

(Eureka Springs, AR) Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, 7 miles south of Eureka Springs, AR  is currently in the midst of the largest rescue effort in their 20 year history.

The USDA licensed refuge has been asked by the sheriff in Mountainburg, AR, to rescue 34 tigers, leopards, and cougars. The animals’ current owner is in failing health and the caging and containment for the Big Cats has fallen into disrepair over the past several years.

The first call from the sheriff to Turpentine Creek was on Monday, October 29, 2012. In the intervening two weeks, TCWR staff members have visited the property in question several times and, to date, have relocated four tigers (one of which required urgent veterinary assistance) to their refuge.

The remaining 30 cats are all in good health but remain in need of immediate rescue due to the hazardous conditions of their current living quarters and the ill health of their present owner.

The existing policy calls for TCWR to rescue as many of the cats as possible as quickly as possible. With over 100 big cats already living at their facility, the need for additional housing and cages for the new rescues is vital.

Turpentine Creek is asking for monetary donations and/or donations of appropriate caging material(s) to facilitate their efforts in this undertaking. Time is of the essence, so please donate today.

For information regarding the rescue in question, please contact Tanya Smith at (479) 253-3715 tanya@turpentinecreek.org or Scott Smith at (479) 253-3318 scott@turpentinecreek.org.