Blog | Page 4 of 45 | Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Keep it Domestic: A reflection on why owning exotic cats will never work

For decades, there has been a lack of laws and regulations regarding the private ownership of exotic felines in the United States. This allowed for the creation of a massive industry with several different supply channels. Breeders could actively sell wild cats to the general public as exotic pets, ranging in size from tigers to […]

May 9, 2024 View Article

What is the “Blue Book” and why is it important

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), APHIS Division (Animal Plant Health Inspection) is the governing entity that creates, monitors, and enforces the laws and regulations for animal welfare. The Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations are readily available to the public in what we commonly refer to as “the Blue Book.” The […]

May 1, 2024 View Article

Vibrissae – Why do cats have whiskers, and what is their purpose?

This week’s Cat of the Week (4/21/24 – 4/28/24) is Shasta Tigress, and we discuss how she is distinguishable from other tigers at the Refuge by her exceptionally long whiskers. But what is the purpose of whiskers among felines? In today’s blog, we will explore this topic further. Whiskers are known as vibrissae, long stiff […]

April 25, 2024 View Article

What is SSP? Why it is important and how it differs from the breeding crisis of exotic cats in the USA

Accredited animal facilities active in wildlife conservation will participate in a highly regulated breeding program called the Species Survival Plan (SSP). This initiative focuses on ensuring the survival of endangered or threatened species by breeding them in captivity. The program is highly monitored to ensure that the captive gene pools are diversified and, therefore, ideal […]

April 18, 2024 View Article

2024 Eclipses | How Did the Animals at Turpentine Creek React?

During an eclipse, animals may exhibit various behaviors depending on the species and their sensitivity to changes in light and temperatures. Since animals do not have a clock, weather person, or technology to structure their day-to-day like humans, they rely on changes in light and temperature. These light and temperature fluctuations mimic a sunset when […]

April 9, 2024 View Article

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Tips for Spotting a Roadside Zoo

Sometimes, it can be very difficult for the public to tell the difference between an accredited sanctuary or zoo and a roadside zoo. Many organizations and animal facilities throughout the country can do the bare minimum regarding animal welfare and still market themselves as a zoo. Many of these facilities even market themselves as funding […]

April 3, 2024 View Article

NWA Gives 2024 – What to expect this year!?!

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has two fundamental goals: 1) to achieve our mission of rescuing big cats and providing them a lifelong home, and 2) to educate the public and increase advocacy regarding preventing animal abuse in wild cats and bears. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Refuge relies heavily on monetary donations to help […]

March 26, 2024 View Article

Fighting for Tigger: Rescue Story

In early March, a USDA Inspector contacted TCWR to rescue a young serval named Tigger. The owner claimed she had obtained Tigger from a breeder to use as an educational outreach animal. The inspector told us the six-month-old serval had some severe health issues, including multiple fractures. The USDA had moved to confiscate Tigger because […]

March 19, 2024 View Article

Cougars: the Apex Feline of North America

In our blog article “Roaring Shadows: Reflecting on the Extinct Big Cats of North America” we shared how North America was once home to very large cat family members, including the North American Lion, Cheetah, and Sabertooth cats. Currently, the largest cats in North America are cougars and jaguars. Jaguars only inhabit the southernmost regions […]

March 6, 2024 View Article

Nature’s Dormant States: the Difference Between Hibernation and Torpor

The most common questions we receive from visitors during the winter at Turpentine Creek are “Where are all the bears?” and “Are they hibernating”? This is a very scientific question, and we plan to answer it in today’s blog. In the animal kingdom, survival often depends on an animal’s ability to adapt to a changing […]

February 28, 2024 View Article