News Archives | Page 5 of 7 | Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Breaking News: Big Cats Can Distinguish Voices

Recent studies on big cats shed light on their remarkable cognitive abilities, revealing their ability to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar human voices. While this has been proven in domestic cats before, this was the first validation that big cats can also distinguish between individual vocalization. The term “big cats” describes a specific genus of […]

February 20, 2024 View Article

The Queens of the Savanna: Understanding the Vital Role of Females in a Lion Pride

In the savannas of Africa, female lions play a crucial and dynamic role in their familial groups, shaping the social structure and bearing the responsibility for the pride’s survival. Contrary to some common misconceptions, lion prides operate within a matriarchal social structure, where females hold the key roles in decision-making and coordination. The core of […]

February 1, 2024 View Article

The Fascinating World of Ti-Ligers: Unveiling the Hybrid Marvel

In the realm of exotic animals, the term “ti-liger” might sound like a mystical creature from a fantasy novel, but in reality, it is a real-life animal with stunning beauty and a dark history. To understand a ti-liger, we first must investigate what a liger is and why it was created. Exotic animal breeders, roadside […]

January 24, 2024 View Article

A Big Alliance for Big Cats: How the BCSA Impacted Big Cat Rescues and Welfare

In 2017, Big Cat Sanctuary leaders across the United States gathered to create the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA). The purpose of this unification was to speak as a unified voice, advance knowledge and practices of animal care, promote professional development within the community, and foster collaborative efforts for rescues nationwide. It can be challenging […]

January 18, 2024 View Article

The Purr-sistence of Slumber: Unlocking the Mystery of Why Big Cats Sleep So Much

There is an abundance of scientific knowledge about why humans need more sleep in the winter months. Known causes include reduced sunlight and our circadian rhythms, less melatonin production from the sun, colder temperatures, and decreased activity levels. But why do big cats sleep between 18 and 20 hours daily, regardless of where they live? […]

January 4, 2024 View Article

Beyond Boundaries: The Enigma of Tigers and Lions Coexisting Without Mating in the Wild

In the diverse landscapes of Asia, where the Asiatic lion and Bengal tiger share habitats, one might wonder why these majestic big cats, despite cohabiting territories, rarely engage in cross-species mating. Even though lion and tiger hybrids are produced in captivity as part of the exotic pet trade, those cats have many health issues […]

December 27, 2023 View Article

The Maladaptive Mirage of White Tigers

The striking appearance of white tigers, with their bright coats and piercing blue eyes, often captivates the imagination of people worldwide. However, behind this mesmerizing allure lies a stark reality: white tigers are maladaptive to the wild. There have been documented cases of white tigers in the wild – in fact, capturing two of them […]

December 20, 2023 View Article

White tiger cub Blackfire as a cub in Colorado before being rescued by Turpentine Creek

The Causes and Consequences of Metabolic Bone Disease in Big Cats

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) has severe consequences for non-domestic cats, affecting their skeletal structure, muscle development, and overall health. Big cats afflicted by MBD often experience deformities, weakened bones, and unbearable pain, leaving them vulnerable to many other health issues. Sadly, many tigers suffering from MBD endure lifelong suffering due to the complications and consequences of […]

December 13, 2023 View Article

Live on explore.org: A Window into the Wild

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our live cam experience on explore.org, where you can watch your favorite TCWR animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Turpentine Creek on explore.org is more than just a live stream; it’s an invitation to be a part of something greater. Together, we can spread […]

December 8, 2023 View Article

Poppin’ with Purpose: 6 Reasons to Join TCWR’s Popcorn Fundraiser

As we approach the end of the year, there’s no better way to combine the joy of giving with the spirit of the season than by participating in Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge’s exciting Popcorn Fundraiser! This isn’t just your ordinary popcorn extravaganza; it’s a fun and easy way for supporters to raise funds for a […]

December 6, 2023 View Article