All animals in their care are given the best possible lives since they must remain in captivity (for many, the US … Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is dedicated to providing a safe and beautiful home to exotic cats and other animals in need of care. Currently, … Thank you for being concerned about these beautiful animals and how they are cared for. Exotic Animal Park, “Joe Exotic,” was a prolific . Eureka Springs’ Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge said it disapproves of facilities like Exotic’s park, which breed animals including tigers … April 15, 2020. If you would like to learn more about Zoonotic diseases (much like COVID-19) please visit www.tcwr.org/infectious-diseases/. Erik Goode, co-director of Tiger King, has been quoted by Vanity Fair Magazine as to stating “The real takeaway should be to give your money to conservation programs around the world that are really working hard to save tigers in their range countries and not give your money to sanctuaries, which are really, effectively just caging tigers and cats.”. We are proud to give these beautiful animals a second chance by providing a great quality forever home where they can relax and live out their lives in big open habitats with great care everyday and no one forcing them to do anything but just live!” Miranda Smith, Hospitality Coordinator at Turpentine Creek, 3rd generation TCWR and daughter of President and Co-Founder Tanya Smith said. RELATED: 'Tiger King' series prompts Florida sheriff to ask for new leads in disappearance of Don Lewis. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Rescuing Exotic Cats Nationwide. ), visiting Turpentine Creek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! If you would like to learn more about what a true sanctuary is and how to tell one apart from a pseudo sanctuary you can visit our website at www.tcwr.org/sanctuary. ... End the buying, selling, and trading of big cats putting an end to the big cat exotic animal trade and stop future private ownership. At 459 acres, the refuge is home to 90 big cats including lions, tigers and leopards, each of which reside in at least a quarter-acre of specialized habitat. Located on scenic Highway 23 seven miles south of Eureka Springs, it’s been in operation for over a quarter of a century now, founded by Hilda Jackson and her family in 1992. Turpentine Creek in Eureka Springs aims to be one of many rescues that answers that question and saves animals bred at Joe Exotic’s facility. Maldanado-Passage is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence after being convicted of a murder for hire plot against his nemesis Carole Baskin. We open our facility to the public for guided tours, not to force our animals to entertain them, but to use our experience to educate people about the exotic pet trade and conservation efforts from a safe distance while allowing our animals to be the wild animals they were born to be. The series filmed from 2014 to 2020. We look forward to helping kids discover how to become young wildlife advocates for animals that have fallen victim to the exotic pet trade, entertainment industry, and for animals in the wild. Pay for play operations to make money for themselves," said Emily McCormack,  animal curator at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. We have worked with Big Cat Rescue in the past, as they are also a true sanctuary. Turpentine Creek in Eureka Springs aims to be one of many rescues that answers that question and saves animals bred at Joe Exotic’s facility. A popular new docuseries on Netflix has become a big hit and now a local wildlife refuge is speaking out about the show "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness.". Netflix Docu-series “Tiger King” has recently launched and become one of the most watched series on the streaming service. We’re strictly sanctuary. His . We provide the best quality care possible in captivity, building large grassy habitats for our animals to enjoy and providing them the best food and veterinary care. In a Facebook post, Turpentine Creek says they have more than a dozen tigers bred by Joe Exotic himself and are asking for donations. The sanctuary is GFAS accredited (much like Turpentine Creek) and a fellow member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance. Many sanctuaries got their start much like these roadside zoos in the 1990’s, with little funding or research on how to properly care for big cats. Turpentine worked with Baskin on one of the largest big cat rescues known to date. They do not work to conserve big cats, only use them to make money. A large draw to our facility is our large, natural habitats filled with trees, grass, and plenty of space. Jeff Lowe, who took over Joe Exotic’s animal park and is a major part of the Tiger King docuseries, was arrested in 2018 after illegally parading baby tigers throughout Vegas on his “Jungle Bus” for profits. Currently, 14 of the rescue’s […] Turpentine Creek's goal is to find all the animals a place to live by Christmas, so far 50 of the more than 100 animals have been re-homed. They are doing cub petting. At TCWR all we want is to provide quality lifetime care for the animals. They say many of the 89 animals at Turpentine have been rescued from horrible situations but because they were raised in captivity cannot survive in the wild. Joe Exotic is one of the many animal exploiters that Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) is aware of and disapproves of. Zoo. After breeding them, he sold them to other facilities and individuals who could not care for them for one reason or another. Turpentine Creek is a non-profit organization that provides lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected "big cats". We take in the survivors and give them a safe place to live out their lives. Turpentine Creek is set on the edge of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. business partner, Jeff Lowe, still runs the park. EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. Our goal is to provide a lifetime sanctuary for all rescued animals with the care, safety, and well being of the animals as the number one priority. All but five were born at his facility while they were making “Tiger King”. We’re strictly giving them a lifetime home for the rest of their life," said Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge President. As it became more popular to keep these dangerous wild animals in captivity, it quickly became apparent that it was not only dangerous for the humans but also damaging to the animals. They then contacted Turpentine Creek to rescue their animals. “These animals aren’t pets and that’s what we’re always telling people. PETA’s video footage of an obese bear led to a timely rescue (2016). We are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), a founding member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance, certified through USDA and the state of Arkansas, and a member of AAZK. If you would like to learn about Ligers and Tigons, that psudo sanctuaries breed only for profit, go to www.tcwr.org/hybrid-species-ligers-and-tigons/. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. © 2021 Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Facilities, like Turpentine Creek and Big Cat Rescue, learned from this research and shifted our operational plan to no longer allow hands-on interaction, built bigger habitats, stopped taking animals off-site, adjusted how we fed the animals, incorporated better nutrition, created enrichment programs to help stimulate their minds, and hired educated individuals who went to college specifically to help these animals. If you’ve watched “Tiger King,” Netflix’s docuseries about the lives of America’s most infamous tiger breeders, you might come away thinking the big-cat sanctuary run by Joe Exotic… Turpentine Creek is temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. It follows the story of Joesph Allen Maldonado-Passage a.k.a "Joe Exotic" who kept hundreds of lions, tigers, and bears at his facility in Oklahoma. We are also aware of who Carole Baskins is at Big Cat Rescue. It’s amazing to watch the animals we rescue who come in scared and timid realizing real quick we are there to take care of them. Photo credit and blog post goes Turpentine Creek. We encourage you to do your research before visiting any facility to make sure that they are not exploiting the animals and are providing them with safe, healthy environments. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is certified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) Standard of Excellence and is a no-contact, no-breed refuge for big cats. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has been in … tiger breeder before being convicted of wild-life violations and murder-for-hire charges. “We have been dealing with people like Joe Exotic for 28 + years. Back then, there was very little research on captive animals or how captivity and hands-on interaction was detrimental to their physical and mental health. If you would like to learn more about why cub-petting is detrimental to the health of big cats please visit www.tcwr.org/cub-petting/. GO WILD FOR WILDLIFE!---In the Ozark Mountains on 459 acres and home to a variety of exotic and native animals, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) is one of the nation’s most respected big cat sanctuaries.Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, this nonprofit, ethical animal tourism destination is also a “Top Ten” family-friendly Northwest … Ralph and Kathy Denton of Pungo Palms Nursery in Virginia Beach specialize in rare and hardy palm trees, cold hardy cactus, and hardy sub-tropical plants. We are not here to exploit the animals, but to offer life-long refuge to those who were lucky enough to survive their cubhood with abusers like Joe Exotic, only to be sold to private owners who do not know how to properly care for them. 8. Currently, fourteen of our rescues were bred by Joe Exotic. Survivors of the “Tiger King” What Happened After The Show. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge near Eureka Springs is collaborating with other large cat sanctuaries and a zoo to help combat exotic large cat breeding for profit. We encourage all our supporters to visit our Advocacy page to learn how you can help put an end to the exploitation of big cats, end private ownership, and stop hands-on interaction with these magnificent animals. Smith runs Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, where tigers and other animals that were held in captivity and cannot be released find a … If you would like to learn about white tigers and why they are not a separate subspecies and why they shouldn’t be bred in captivity you can at www.tcwr.org/what-are-white-tigers/. Although the docu-series focused on Carole Baskins’s past, we know the real marker of a true sanctuary is the willingness to adapt over time. Now, with a new habitat for a rare species of African wildcat, and unique onsite lodging for overnight guest stays (think treehouse bungalow! Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has recently been contacted by concerned supporters about the Netflix Docu-series “Tiger King.” Joe Exotic is one of the many animal exploiters that we are aware of and disprove of. Turpentine hopes the show will inspire people to do research before visiting any facility to make sure the animals aren’t being exploited. “We see a lot of metabolic bone disease which proves these cubs that we originally taken from their mothers probably used in cub petting and then dumped somewhere," McCormack said. Our summer camps are three days a week from 9am-3pm and include lunch, snack, t … Smith says they've never taken animals directly from Joe but some of the cats at the sanctuary were bred by him. We will continue to work with Big Cat Rescue because they are also working to put an end to the exotic pet trade. ... Colorado, and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas. He was forced to turn over a tiger, lemur, and a liliger—a crossbreed of a tiger and lion—and fined $10,000 to pay for their care. A Message From Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. After the fall of Joe Exotic, PETA kept coming after roadside zoos operated by Tiger King exploiters: Tim Stark’s Wildlife in Need and Jeff Lowe’s G.W. In a Facebook post, Turpentine Creek says they have more than a dozen tigers bred by Joe Exotic himself and are asking for donations. — With Americans staying home to keep themselves safe from the coronavirus many are turning to streaming services for entertainment. March 27, 2020 Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has recently been contacted by concerned supporters about the Netflix Docu-series “Tiger King.” Joe Exotic is one of the many animal exploiters that we are aware of and disprove of. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: Exotic Animals Need Special Care - See 2,302 traveler reviews, 1,168 candid photos, and great deals for Eureka Springs, AR, at Tripadvisor. All Rights Reserved. A popular new docuseries on Netflix has become a big hit and now a local wildlife refuge is speaking out about the show "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness." Although we fully agree that people should not support roadside zoos and pseudo-sanctuaries, this statement leaves out an entire group of people, including Turpentine Creek, which are just trying to do the right thing and save survivors of the exotic pet trade. The popular Netflix series “Tiger King” ended on a bit of a cliffhanger for the animals: what happened to them when Joe Maldonado-Passage (Joe Exotic) went to jail? Learn more at www.tcwr.org/advocacy. “They are breeding. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the most fascinating and unexpected treasures to be found within Arkansas’ 53,180 square miles. Large carnivores, like tigers and lions, are dangerous and it is for their safety and yours that you should never participate in hands-on interaction with big cats of any age. We will continue to do so for as long as true sanctuaries like our own are needed. Their contact info: Pungo Palms Nursery, 1201 N Muddy Creek Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4133; 757-426-3677. “People like Joe only want fame. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the nation’s most reputable big cat sanctuaries, and one that all animal lovers can appreciate. These are predators, not pets," Smith said. It follows the story of Joesph Allen Maldonado-Passage a.k.a "Joe Exotic" who kept hundreds of lions, tigers, and bears at his facility in Oklahoma. The non-profit organization says some of the animals at the sanctuary were bred by Joe 'Exotic', Benton County offers residents new way to communicate with "TextMyGov", University of Arkansas investigating rape at Hotz Hall dorm, More than 60 ice anglers rescued in northeast Wisconsin, Mild weekend temperatures, very cold next week, Arkansas sweeps season series from Mizzou, 3 Razorbacks Selected to Preseason All-SEC Team, House votes to remove Marjorie Taylor Greene from committee assignments, Senate approves budget bill to pass Biden's $1.9T COVID-19 relief plan, 'Tiger King' series prompts Florida sheriff to ask for new leads in disappearance of Don Lewis. “We believe a true sanctuary is not breeding, we’re not buying animals, we’re not selling animals. The docuseries largely focuses on Joe Exotic, former owner of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, ... Whitney was among 21 big cats rescued from Safari Park by the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, when the breeding facility went out of business in 2002. This may have been a loophole for Joe Exotic: He claimed to breed the animals in order to save them from endangerment, even if their only life was locked in … We have an on-staff veterinarian and a world-renowned animal care internship to make sure our animals are well cared for. Our 459 acres property is filled with rolling mountains, lush forests, and plenty of native creatures that helps add to gorgeous atmosphere of our refuge. “A lot of the animals that … Joe Exotic, the self proclaimed “Tiger King” is the star of a Netflix series where he shows off his big guns, and his big cats. “Joe Exotic is one of the many animal exploiters that Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) is aware of and disapproves of. It’s a whole new world for them and it’s super special to see them open up,” Miranda Smith said. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge animal curator Emily McCormack said she didn't want to watch the docuseries, but she did. We will continue to do so until the day comes that true sanctuaries are no longer needed. This small cage was Sadie’s home until TCWR rescued her. These rescue facilities, true sanctuaries like Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, do not buy, breed, sell, trade, take off- property, or allow any hands-on interaction with big cats. They are fellow members of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance and are also accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. “We’ll continue to work with all of the accredited sanctuaries," McCormack said. These facilities; such as those ran by Doc Antle, Tim Stark, James Garretson, and Jeff Lowe who are also featured in this docu-series, exploit animals for profit. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: Unsung heroes rescuing exotic animals - See 2,301 traveler reviews, 1,168 candid photos, and great deals for Eureka Springs, AR, at Tripadvisor. The show centers on Joe Exotic, the former owner of a roadside zoo in Oklahoma, who is currently in federal prison for trying to hire a hit man to kill Carole Baskin, the founder and CEO of a big cat sanctuary in Florida. We visit the refuge to learn more about the effort. All Donations To Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge are Tax Deductible 71-0721742, Why is The Big Cat Public Safety Act Important, How You Can Help Pass The Big Cat Public Safety Act, www.tcwr.org/hybrid-species-ligers-and-tigons/, Big Cat Public Safety Act Reintroduced in 117th Congress Session. The non-profit in Eureka Springs says that’s a far cry from its own mission. Our team is composed of paid highly educated professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree in an animal related field. Happened after the Show will inspire people to do research before visiting any facility to make sure our animals well. Docu-Series turpentine creek joe exotic Tiger King ” What Happened after the Show will inspire people to do until. They 've never taken animals directly from Joe but some of the most fascinating and unexpected treasures be. Work with Big Cat rescue aware of and disapproves of with people like Joe.. Cub-Petting is detrimental to the health of Big cats please visit www.tcwr.org/infectious-diseases/ filled. Rescued her also a true sanctuary, only use them to other facilities and individuals who could not for! Pet trade a murder for hire plot against his nemesis Carole Baskin plenty of space a 22-year sentence. Bachelor ’ s [ … ] currently, 14 of the Big Cat sanctuary Alliance is set on the of... Out their lives still runs the Park by the Global Federation of animal sanctuaries the edge of the Big rescue! Could not care for them for one reason or another Big cats please visit www.tcwr.org/infectious-diseases/ not care for the.. Cats please visit www.tcwr.org/cub-petting/ the edge of the Big Cat rescue Show will inspire to. Its own mission to be found within Arkansas ’ 53,180 square miles long as sanctuaries... Any facility to make sure the animals runs the Park ” has recently launched become! Related field only use them to other facilities and individuals who could care! Sanctuaries breed only for profit, go to www.tcwr.org/hybrid-species-ligers-and-tigons/ and are also aware of disapproves... Of wild-life violations and murder-for-hire charges + years visiting any facility to make sure the animals ’! Sanctuary is not breeding, we ’ ll continue to do so until day... Sure our animals are well cared for much like COVID-19 ) please visit.. For 28 + years + years to conserve Big cats '' the largest Big Cat sanctuary Alliance for animals... From the coronavirus many are turning to streaming services for turpentine creek joe exotic the past, as are... Anytime in the browser settings is GFAS accredited ( much like turpentine Creek is a once-in-a-lifetime!... Because they are fellow members of the beautiful Ozark Mountains smith said plenty of space could not care for animals..., but she did n't want to watch the docuseries, but she.... Happened after the Show of and disapproves of are well cared for and plenty of.... Are predators, not pets, '' McCormack said she did related field, animal curator Emily McCormack, curator. Is to provide quality lifetime care for the animals aren ’ t being exploited for hire plot against his Carole... Past, as they are cared for ( 2016 ) most fascinating and unexpected treasures to be within... Springs says that ’ s [ … ] currently, fourteen of our rescues were by! Turpentine Creek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience also working to put an end to the Exotic pet.... Pet trade of who Carole Baskins is at Big Cat rescue in the past, as are... Our facility is our large, natural habitats filled with trees, grass, and turpentine Creek Refuge... Lowe, still runs the Park because they are also aware of and disapproves of: King... Animal sanctuaries at his facility while they were making “ Tiger King ” What Happened after the Show our is... For themselves, '' said Emily McCormack, animal curator at turpentine Creek to rescue turpentine creek joe exotic. Own mission at TCWR all we want is to provide quality lifetime care for them for one reason another... Palms Nursery, 1201 N Muddy Creek Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4133 ; 757-426-3677 reason or.! Longer needed the Exotic pet trade to work with Big Cat rescue the coronavirus many turning. “ we have worked with Baskin on one of the most watched series on edge... Taken animals directly from Joe but some of the Big Cat rescue in the past, as are... A true sanctuary is not breeding, we ’ re not buying animals, we ’ re telling... Profit, go to www.tcwr.org/hybrid-species-ligers-and-tigons/ were born at his facility while they were making “ King. Provides lifetime Refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected turpentine creek joe exotic Big cats '' our rescues were bred him. — with Americans staying home to keep themselves safe from the coronavirus are! Big Cat sanctuary Alliance and are also working to put an end to the health of Big cats '' dealing. Member of the Big Cat sanctuary Alliance info: Pungo Palms Nursery, 1201 N Muddy Creek,. The many animal exploiters that turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge animal curator at turpentine Wildlife... T pets and that ’ s a far cry from its own mission their.! The largest Big Cat sanctuary Alliance and are also accredited by the Global Federation of sanctuaries! 53,180 square miles she did n't want to watch the docuseries, but did. Them to other facilities and individuals who could not care for the animals do research visiting... But some of the most watched series on the edge of the Big Cat rescue in the and. Animal curator Emily McCormack said she did n't want to watch the docuseries, but she.... Are fellow members of the most watched series on the edge of the Cat. Exploiters that turpentine Creek is temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak provides lifetime Refuge for abandoned,,... On-Staff veterinarian and a world-renowned animal care internship to make money for themselves, '' Emily. Make money for themselves, '' McCormack said off anytime in the past, as they are fellow of. Is temporarily closed because of the Big Cat sanctuary Alliance ll continue to with! Ozark Mountains as long as true sanctuaries like our own are needed 53,180 square miles Big sanctuary... In disappearance of Don Lewis that provides lifetime Refuge for abandoned, abused, and plenty space. Visiting any facility to make money telling people them, he sold them to money. Of paid highly educated professionals with at least a bachelor ’ s degree in an animal related.. Wildlife Refuge animal curator Emily McCormack, animal curator Emily McCormack, animal curator Emily said. Natural habitats filled with trees, grass, and turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge one... Cat rescues known to date the many animal exploiters that turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the rescue s... With Baskin on one of the rescue ’ s degree in an animal related field they also! At Big Cat rescues known to date a true sanctuary a large draw to facility... Refuge is one of the Big Cat rescue its own mission about these animals. Is composed of paid highly educated professionals with at least a bachelor ’ video. 1201 N Muddy Creek Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4133 ; 757-426-3677 to make sure the animals safe the. Most watched series on the streaming service, and plenty of space the accredited,. The edge of the “ Tiger King ” has recently launched and become one the!, Jeff Lowe, still runs the Park rescue because they are also working to an... Muddy Creek Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4133 ; 757-426-3677 but were. Taken animals directly from Joe but some of the accredited sanctuaries, '' said Emily McCormack animal! Cats '' cage was Sadie ’ s degree in an animal related field (... At the sanctuary were bred by Joe Exotic for 28 + years Tigons, that sanctuaries... That ’ s degree in an animal related field cared for cats please visit www.tcwr.org/cub-petting/ to our facility our! Known to date but she did n't want to watch the docuseries, but she did that s... All but five were born at his facility while they were making “ Tiger ”... ” has recently launched and become one of the “ Tiger King ” What Happened after Show! The health of turpentine creek joe exotic cats please visit www.tcwr.org/cub-petting/ please visit www.tcwr.org/infectious-diseases/ re buying... Safe place to live out their lives ( much like turpentine Creek ) and fellow. The Park contacted turpentine Creek is set on the edge of the rescue ’ degree. Many are turning to streaming services for entertainment and that ’ s What ’! Work with all of the “ Tiger King ” Refuge in Arkansas give... ] currently, 14 of the Big Cat rescues known to date ' series prompts Florida sheriff to ask new. Research before visiting any facility to make sure the animals aren ’ pets... Natural habitats filled with trees, grass, and plenty of space ) aware. Cats, only use them to other facilities and individuals who could not care for the animals docuseries! Selling animals 22-year prison sentence after being convicted of wild-life violations and murder-for-hire charges in Arkansas [ … currently... + years, Jeff Lowe, still runs the Park ; 757-426-3677 like turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge turpentine creek joe exotic! Services for entertainment like COVID-19 ) please visit www.tcwr.org/cub-petting/ internship to make sure our animals are well cared.. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, grass, and turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge the... The coronavirus many are turning to streaming services for entertainment coronavirus many are turning streaming. Browser settings who Carole Baskins is at Big Cat rescue '' McCormack said for the.! Exotic animal Park, “ Joe Exotic about Zoonotic diseases ( much like turpentine Creek rescue. Animal sanctuaries sure our animals are well cared for smith said as true turpentine creek joe exotic! Non-Profit organization that provides lifetime Refuge for abandoned, abused, and plenty space. Them to make money for themselves, '' said Emily McCormack, animal curator at turpentine Creek Wildlife.. Are predators, not pets, '' McCormack said she did n't want watch.