News Archives | Page 3 of 6 | Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Don’t Pool all Cats Together: Some big cats like the water while others do not.

It is summertime when our Animal Care Staff prioritizes cleaning and filling pools again. Since its beginning, the Refuge has provided water-loving animals with pools. Historically, we have repurposed big metal cattle troughs as pools for the animals. During pool season, our Animal Care Staff and Interns must consistently clean the pools, creating the most […]

June 11, 2024 View Article

What is the significance of Black Bear Day?

Every year, on the first Saturday in June, wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature lovers come together to celebrate National Black Bear Day. This day was first started in 2018 to remember the history of black bears in the United States. Black bears became a valuable resource when the Americas were first colonized due to their […]

June 5, 2024 View Article

Eye of the Tiger – Fred | Big Cat Chronicles Summer 2024 Exclusive

I am Fred and I am a tiger. Each morning, I wake up, come out of my den, stretch, and gaze out over my big grassy habitat. I live my life like a tiger. But it wasn’t always this way. I don’t remember my mother since humans took me away from here before I could […]

May 25, 2024 View Article

Endangered Species Day 2024

Every year, on the third Friday of May, conservationists, scientists, and nature enthusiasts worldwide come together to observe Endangered Species Day. This day serves as a reminder of the wildlife conservation initiatives worldwide dedicated to protecting endangered species and biodiversity. Endangered Species Day was introduced by the United States in 2006 to raise awareness of […]

May 22, 2024 View Article

How to select the best dog harness

In April of 2023, Turpentine Creek rescued a tiger cub named Fred, who entered our Witness Protection Program due to an ongoing investigation. The cub was among the first to be seized by USFW officials for violating the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022. He had been privately owned and physically abused by his […]

May 14, 2024 View Article

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