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Fall 2016<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Cat</strong> <strong>Chronicles</strong><br />

A USDA Licensed Facility for “The Vanishing Breeds of <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Cat</strong>s”<br />

Giselle<br />

Serval (Leptailurus serval)<br />

Sex: Female<br />

DOB: December 1, 2015<br />

Arrival Date: July 1, 2016<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org ||| 479.253.5841 ||| www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

youtube.com/TurpentineCreek ||| Find us on Facebook!


Letter from the President<br />

Co-Founder Tanya Smith<br />

Please Welcome Your Fall 2016 Interns!<br />

This year has proven to be just as exciting as the past 24+ at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. So many changes have<br />

come to pass. Our team is strong, rescues continue and, with the new Jackson Memorial Veterinary Hospital open<br />

and operational, our healthcare and education initiatives are prepped for success! Not only will the Refuge benefit<br />

from the hospital’s existence, all future animal science majors, biologists, zoologists, veterinarians, vet techs, dentists,<br />

medics, doctors, and donors that care about <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Cat</strong>s and bear in captivity, will have the opportunity to learn through<br />

this resource.<br />

My family is honored to have the on-site hospital named in memory of my parents, Donald Ray Jackson, Sr., and Hilda<br />

Putman Jackson. Each are missed on a daily basis, but I truly believe that they somehow have a hand in moving things<br />

forward at the Refuge.<br />

I’m also happy to share that my daughter, Miranda, is now the Refuge’s hospitality coordinator. She helps direct the<br />

efforts of TCWR’s two gift shops and lodging, and is active in our promotional and educational outreach programs.<br />

Miranda recently earned a Hospitality and Restaurant Management degree – which covers all aspects of hospitality<br />

management – from the University of Arkansas.<br />

My son, Victor, a chef by trade, has actively worked at the Refuge most of his life, and I’m excited to report that he<br />

recently accepted property management responsibilities. Among other things, Victor also procures meat and produce<br />

for our animal residents and is our supplies liaison. All supply logistics go through Victor to ensure we have what we<br />

need to maintain smooth operations at the Refuge.<br />

Scott, my husband and the Refuge’s vice-president, plays an active and decisive<br />

role in practically every aspect of the organization. Unfortunately, he recently<br />

experienced a severe knee injury, requiring ACL surgery. Scott’s rehabilitation<br />

efforts are going well though, and he is slowly resuming many of his responsibilities.<br />

As important as my immediate family is to me and the foundation, I am extremely<br />

proud and humbled by our TCWR family. Our associates – all working towards a<br />

unified mission – are some of the most passionate, dedicated team members I’ve<br />

ever known. The challenges we face to properly care for our rescued friends are<br />

enormous. So growing our team and improving our infrastructure ensures the<br />

best possible care for our residents. The future looks bright for all the rescues<br />

that call TCWR home!<br />

As we continue our mission, our next BIG fundraising endeavor is on the horizon.<br />

Our goal is to build a new entrance building that will include an expanded retail<br />

space, an education center, a multi-functional conference area, and a café. We<br />

will keep you updated on those plans, but we invite you to donate and support<br />

this project during its early stages.<br />

Thank you for all you do to help us care for our animal residents, and for supporting<br />

our efforts to enhance our education and visitor experience. It’s because of you<br />

that we are able to positively affect so many lives.<br />

2<br />

Until next time…<br />

Victor Smith<br />

Miranda Smith<br />

Back<br />

Front<br />

Tyler Bapst<br />

University of Michigan<br />

BS Ecology/<br />

Environmental Biology<br />

May 2015<br />

Jessica Curnow<br />

Humboldt State U.<br />

BS Zoology<br />

May 2015<br />

Meghan Lahm<br />

Avery Shannon<br />

U. of Richmond<br />

BS Biology<br />

May 2016<br />

Morgan Lazar<br />

U. of New Hampshire<br />

BS Biomedical<br />

Sciences/Pre Vet<br />

May 2016<br />

Jennifer Aguilar<br />

Humboldt State U.<br />

BS Zoology<br />

May 2015<br />

Emaly Bobbitt<br />

California U. of PA<br />

BS Environmental Science<br />

May 2016<br />

Carly Hepburn<br />

Bridgewater State U.<br />

BS Biology<br />

December 2015<br />

Jessie Sayre<br />

U. of Puget Sound<br />

BA Psychology<br />

May 2016<br />

Nikki Adams<br />

Miami University<br />

BA Zoology<br />

May 2015<br />

Anna Stumpf<br />

Oklahoma State U.<br />

BS Zoology<br />

December 2015<br />

Jessica Cartusciello<br />

Cornell University<br />

BS Animal Science<br />

May 2016<br />

Susannah<br />

Manning-Osborn<br />

Elon University<br />

BA Psychology<br />

May 2013<br />

Allison Coronado<br />

Berry College<br />

BS Biology<br />

May 2016<br />

Meet Meghan Lahm, Animal Care Team Member<br />

Lanie Dishong<br />

U. of California, Davis<br />

BS Biology<br />

June 2013<br />

(not pictured)<br />

Josh Kolbert<br />

Bates College<br />

BS Biology/Pre Vet<br />

May 2016<br />

While Meg Lahm may not technically be new to the Refuge, she is our newest full-time<br />

animal care team member. She originally came to us from upstate New York after she<br />

earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Eventually, upon completing four TCWR<br />

internships, Meg was approached with the opportunity to join our family indefinitely.<br />

“I was ecstatic when I realized I was going to be hired on,” Meg shares. “Just being here<br />

every day, waking up to the lions, doing all of this, is the best feeling. To be part of this huge<br />

issue, and to be the ones helping is amazing.”<br />

Meg originally joined us in August 2014. She chose TCWR’s program over another<br />

sanctuary’s internship, and said she could not be happier. When Meg first came to the<br />

Refuge, her plan was to stay for one or two internships then move on. Her goal at that time<br />

was to travel to Africa and work with the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Cat</strong>s there.<br />

Referring to the harmful nature of the exotic pet trade, Meg mentions, “The longer I stayed<br />

here, the more I realized how much of a problem there was in the United States, and that I<br />

didn’t need to go to Africa. I know what we are doing here is helping.”<br />

Meg didn’t have much to move. After two years at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge,<br />

most of her personal assets had already migrated to her space on the property. Of course<br />

she misses her family in New York, and fosters a (now long-distance) relationship with her<br />

boyfriend, but she isn’t alone.<br />

“Being away from them is hard,” Meg says. “But being here, I have family too. We celebrate<br />

holidays together – we spend every day together – it’s great! Emily, my boss, is one of my<br />

best friends, and that relationship has been amazing. The animal care team, interns, and<br />

everyone else at the Refuge are family, and that is great to have.”<br />

Some of Meg’s duties have changed, with her new position, but she is still just as dedicated<br />

to our mission as she’s always been. Meg is a valuable addition to our animal care<br />

team, so next time you visit make sure to tell her “Congratulations!”<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org /// 479.253.5841 /// www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

3


Enriching the Lives of Your Animal Ambassadors<br />

Imagine being a tiny toddler, exploring this gargantuan world with all of your curious little senses (Oh, the sights,<br />

the sounds, the smells, the feels!). Your budding life is naturally enriched by your freedom to explore an everchanging,<br />

ever-moving and ever-interesting space. You are effectively a newborn cub in the wild with limitless<br />

opportunity to experience all the exciting wonders of life!<br />

Now imagine you are a captive victim of the exotic pet trade. At no<br />

fault of your own, you will never know true freedom. You will never<br />

be able to explore your natural world. And you will most likely<br />

never be fulfilled or appreciated in the way you know you deserve.<br />

Abigail<br />

Featured Animal: Shasta<br />

Species: Tiger (Panthera tigris)<br />

Sex: Female<br />

Arrived at TCWR: September 14, 2012<br />

At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, our primary focus is to<br />

provide compassionate care to our animal residents. Not only<br />

does that mean providing an appropriate daily diet, and medical<br />

treatment when necessary, it means providing a safe, stress-free<br />

environment filled with enriching elements any apex predator can<br />

appreciate.<br />

Here are just a few ways our animal care team and interns enrich<br />

the daily lives of our animal ambassadors:<br />

1. Environmental Enrichment – When we access animal habitats<br />

for cleaning and/or maintenance purposes, we routinely add,<br />

move or remove items within the space in an effort to create<br />

an ever-changing, complex environment, similar to what our<br />

animals would experience in the wild.<br />

2. Sensory (specifically olfactory) Enrichment – We use fresh<br />

herbs, spices and fragrant items like chocolate mint, cinnamon,<br />

cedar shavings, and Obsession by Calvin Klein to help excite<br />

our animals’ olfactory systems. This type of enrichment<br />

encourages natural curiosity, stimulates pleasure sensors in<br />

the brain, and motivates our animals to explore their habitats.<br />

Abigail Tiger enjoying a pile of enrichment<br />

boxes. Enrichment provides stimuli<br />

for our captive animals, that their wild<br />

counterparts get naturally. Enrichment<br />

encourages our animals to use all of their<br />

senses and makes their lives better.<br />

4<br />

3. Training Enrichment – Our Behavioral Management Training<br />

program allows us to mentally stimulate our animal participants<br />

through positive reinforcement techniques. The program<br />

also reduces stress, and promotes trust and a safer working<br />

environment.<br />

4. Social Enrichment – When possible, we introduce conspecific<br />

(same species) animals to each other. While most of our<br />

residents are naturally solitary animals, at times we are able to<br />

provide companionship and successfully introduce the animals,<br />

further enriching each of their lives.<br />

Unlike the tiny toddler, the majority of our animals have never<br />

explored true freedom in their natural environment. But you can<br />

help us enrich their lives by going to:<br />

turpentinecreek.org/support-us/donate-now/<br />

Please help us, help them.<br />

TC enjoys pouncing on his Boomer Ball, an<br />

enrichment item that our supporters can<br />

purchase to help improve the lives of the<br />

animals that call TCWR home.<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org \\\ 479.253.5841 \\\ www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

On September 14, 2012 we drove to Sperry, Oklahoma to rescue three tigers; Shasta, Izzy,<br />

and Max, a male tiger who has since passed away. Due to health issues, their elderly owner<br />

could no longer take care of them.<br />

When she first arrived, Shasta was grumpy and displayed aggressive behavior towards<br />

interns and animal care team members. After a while she calmed down and soon became a<br />

favorite among the TCWR family.<br />

In September 2015, Shasta and Izzy were moved into a spacious, natural habitat, becoming<br />

the last two animals to ever live in a space we affectionately called the “compound”. At first,<br />

Shasta was hesitant to explore the new grassy space, but soon she was right at home.<br />

Shasta’s attitude has changed dramatically over the past year. She chuffs at TCWR associates<br />

and interns that walk by. She loves to play in her pool, roll in leaf piles, hide in the grass and<br />

stalk people, and explore every inch of her new territory. She is a very happy and healthy<br />

tiger at the Refuge.<br />

5


New Neighbors: Kit Kat and India<br />

A Different Addition to Your TCWR Family<br />

Joy the Coyote Rescue<br />

In mid-June, a wildlife rehabilitator<br />

contacted TCWR about a very sick,<br />

malnourished coyote pup that had been<br />

rejected by her mother. While the gentleman<br />

lawfully rehabilitates found or misplaced<br />

wildlife and reintroduces the animals to<br />

the wild, Joy, the 9-week-old melanistic<br />

(black) coyote, required immediate medical<br />

attention to survive and was unable to be<br />

reintroduced to her natural environment.<br />

Because of this, the rehabilitator contacted<br />

TCWR about providing care and a lifetime<br />

home for the young pup.<br />

Joy arrived at TCWR on June 21, 2016.<br />

She was tiny – weighing little more than<br />

4 pounds – and extremely uncomfortable<br />

around humans, and the new sights and<br />

sounds at the Refuge. We knew it would<br />

take time for the wild-born coyote to get<br />

acclimated, so we gave her a quiet habitat,<br />

out of public view, at Rescue Ridge.<br />

We made sure she had plenty of toys to play<br />

with, fun stuff to dig in, and an appropriate<br />

diet. Within a month she had nearly doubled<br />

in weight and, although she is still very<br />

wary of humans, our interns regularly see<br />

her playing in her night house. She has had<br />

two rounds of vaccinations with a third still<br />

necessary. But we don’t want to overwhelm<br />

the young coyote, so we’re taking things in<br />

stride. In the near future, though, you may<br />

be able to learn about this young pup and<br />

appreciate her beauty while touring the<br />

Refuge.<br />

Standards regarding coyote habitats are<br />

different than those of <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Cat</strong> habitats.<br />

We will need to update an existing space<br />

to meet appropriate regulations, or build a<br />

new space for the young girl as she grows.<br />

So, please help us give Joy a lifetime home<br />

by donating today!<br />

6<br />

Joy is a melanistic (black) coyote pup who was born in the wild and<br />

abandoned my her mother. She was found clinging to life and very sick.<br />

After being nursed back to health the animal rehabilitator knew that<br />

the tiny coyote could not be returned to the wild. He contacted TCWR,<br />

searching for a forever home for the 4 and a half pound pup.<br />

Joy<br />

Joy came to us tiny and scared of all the new sights, smells, and sounds<br />

of TCWR. With a good diet and lots of patience the tiny coyote nearly<br />

doubled in size, reaching 8 pounds within the first month at TCWR. She<br />

is continuing to grow, and settling into life with her new family.<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org \\\ 479.253.5841 \\\ www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

India<br />

After a complete rebuild of India’s habitat she returned to her<br />

enclosure to a surprise, she had a new neighbor. The patient tigress<br />

warmly welcomed Kit Kat and seems to enjoy his company, even with<br />

a fence between them.<br />

Kit Kat<br />

They say, “…third time’s a charm,” but for Kit Kat, it took a few more tries than that for us to find a perfect habitat neighbor. Kit<br />

Kat is a playful, mischievous tiger – akin to a slightly annoying sibling – and, as it were, that is exactly how Kit Kat’s past neighbors<br />

treated him. We tried many times to find a laissez-faire minded neighbor for the candy bar cat, but until recently we experienced<br />

little success. However, we may have found the perfect match in India, a very curious and equally as playful Bengal tigress.<br />

After completing a full rebuild of India’s old habitat, we decided to give Kit Kat a chance to be her neighbor. We were pleasantly<br />

surprised when the two hit it off! India does not mind Kit Kat in the slightest, and most days the duo can be seen hanging out<br />

around each other, safely separated by their night house fencing.<br />

We alternate the animals’ access to their habitat, which is vast with plenty of trees for the tigers to relax in the shade. We know<br />

both India and Kit Kat are going to love their new space, so take a tour and see how the new neighbors are doing. Although we may<br />

not be able to introduce the two as habitat mates, we’re hopeful that they will become good friends.<br />

A long-time supporter of TCWR, who works as a pet food consultant for<br />

veterinarians, contacted us on June 30, 2016 about an African serval in need of a<br />

proper home. After noticing Giselle, the 8-month-old serval, spending most of her<br />

young life in a small cage at a client’s clinic, the supporter took steps to ensure<br />

Giselle would be given the opportunity of a high-quality of life at the Refuge.<br />

An Arkansan family purchased Giselle from an exotic animal breeder in New York.<br />

The family had three children under the age of 10 and thought a serval would<br />

make a good family pet. To help domesticate Giselle, the family decided to spay<br />

and (front) declaw the animal. However, Giselle suffered complications from the<br />

declaw procedure and also broke one of her back legs, which is why she spent<br />

the majority of her young life in a cage at a veterinary office.<br />

Eventually, the TCWR supporter and veterinarian convinced the Arkansas family<br />

to relinquish ownership of Giselle. But it was immediately apparent that Giselle,<br />

although content around humans, was not meant to be a house “pet”. The<br />

supporter reached out to TCWR and the very next morning three Refuge team<br />

members travelled to Little Rock, Arkansas to rehome the young serval. Upon<br />

arrival, Giselle quickly melted the hearts of our entire team, and her bright spirit,<br />

happy meows, and curious nature make her a perfect addition to our family.<br />

The third (or fourth…fifth… tenth) time is the charm for Kit Kat. Kit Kat<br />

and his new neighbor, India, who he alternates days with in their new<br />

enclosure, get along well. They spend their days hanging out around each<br />

other and enjoying the beautiful view of the Ozarks from their new habitat.<br />

Giselle Serval: A New Addition to Your TCWR Family<br />

Giselle taking her first steps into the grass of her new<br />

habitat. Giselle spent most of her life indoors or in<br />

a cage at a veterinary clinic. In June, a supporter of<br />

TCWR contacted us to see about giving this young<br />

serval a new forever home.<br />

We’re very glad for the opportunity to give Giselle a compassionate, forever<br />

home. And we encourage you to help support this energetic girl by donating, or<br />

visiting her and her animal friends at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.<br />

7<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org /// 479.253.5841 /// www.turpentinecreek.org


8<br />

The Three “Little” Bears and a Fairytale Ending<br />

In late August, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge welcomed two new members<br />

to our family. The rescue was part of a collaborative effort to rehome three<br />

black bears in need; Michael from Oklahoma; Popper from Florida; and Mack<br />

from California. TCWR worked in unison with two reputable sanctuaries<br />

– Lions Tigers & Bears, a GFAS* accredited big cat and bear sanctuary that<br />

provided transport for the three bears; and the Performing Animal Welfare<br />

Society (PAWS), a GFAS verified sanctuary that provided a lifetime home to<br />

one of the bears. Unfortunately, the bears were unable to be released into the<br />

wild, but we’re excited to welcome Michael and Popper to our family, and give<br />

them the compassionate, lifetime home they deserve. You can help welcome<br />

Michael and Popper too, by making a “welcome donation” in their honor. Your<br />

support on any level truly means the world, so please donate today!<br />

Meet Michael:<br />

Michael was four weeks old when he was bought by his previous owners from<br />

a game farm in Indiana. Now nine years old, Michael has spent virtually all<br />

of his life in a backyard in rural Oklahoma. Unfortunately, Michael’s owners<br />

opted to declaw the bear, not knowing that the procedure is inherently cruel<br />

and causes detrimental, long-term effects including claw regrowth, which<br />

Michael is experiencing. His owners tried to provide him with the best life<br />

possible, but family hardships made it necessary to rehome the black bear.<br />

Wild black bears are capable of living upwards of thirty years, so at nine years<br />

old, Michael is truly at the prime of his life. And we’re excited to provide him<br />

with a spacious habitat and compassionate care, so he can experience many<br />

happy years at the Refuge.<br />

Popper<br />

Popper Bear was deemed a nuisance bear by Florida authorities<br />

when she attacked a woman who got between her and her cubs.<br />

Luckily, instead of being put to sleep the authorities decided<br />

to rehome her. At first, she lived at the Central Florida Zoo and<br />

Botanical Gardens, but since they didn’t have adequate funding<br />

to give her a proper habitat they decided to send her to TCWR so<br />

that she would have a good forever home.<br />

Meet Popper:<br />

Michael<br />

Michael bear was owned by a private owner in<br />

Oklahoma. Due to family hardships he relinquished<br />

Michael to TCWR. Michael was transported to TCWR<br />

by Lions, Tigers & Bears, a GFAS accredited sanctuary.<br />

Florida state officials declared Popper a nuisance animal, after<br />

she attacked a local woman who unwittingly found herself<br />

between the bear and her two young cubs. According to Florida<br />

regulations, bear attacks are typically met with immediate<br />

euthanasia of the offending animal. But officials decided to spare<br />

Popper, and transfer her and the cubs to a temporary holding<br />

facility. The cubs were eventually reintroduced to the wild, but as<br />

a nuisance animal, Popper was ultimately rehomed at the Central<br />

Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Orlando. The bear had been<br />

at the zoo since November 2014, but the facility was unable to<br />

raise adequate funding for a proper black bear habitat, so she was<br />

in desperate need of a new home. Fortunately, TCWR was able<br />

to come to her rescue and offer a lifetime home, so that she will<br />

never be uprooted ever again.<br />

By collaborating with other reputable organizations, these three<br />

bears have the opportunity to live a full, happy life. However, our<br />

available habitats will have to be altered to accommodate Michael<br />

and Popper. So donate today to bring these two of the three<br />

“little” bears their fairy tale ending. Please help us, help them.<br />

* Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org \\\ 479.253.5841 \\\ www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

Dear Purrnal,<br />

Bowden<br />

You won’t believe what the keepers did to me!<br />

They let this strange, young serval into my<br />

habitat! Her name is Giselle, and she is a new<br />

rescue at Turpentine Creek. At first, she was only<br />

allowed in the habitat when I wasn’t using it.<br />

I was a bit upset at first, but I figured it would<br />

be ok to let her have it - when I am not using it<br />

of course. That worked well for a few days but<br />

then they stopped alternating our days and let<br />

her out into my habitat when I was already in it!<br />

The energetic furball had the audacity to<br />

pounce at me and try to play with my tail! She<br />

kept creeping closer and closer to me and then<br />

would bat at my tail and run away. She did this<br />

a few times before I got up and moved away.<br />

I think she got the hint because she stopped<br />

trying to get my tail, for a while at least.<br />

Giselle<br />

I guess she isn’t all that bad, and she does look up to me. She is always following me around and mimicking whatever I am<br />

doing. I guess I could show her a thing or two about this place. I do know how to get the humans to give me special treats.<br />

They think I’m doing what they want but, in reality, I’m just getting them to do what I want and getting some delicious<br />

meat in the process.<br />

Giselle is very energetic. She runs around the habitat all day long and seems to enjoy climbing on all the benches and<br />

swings that the humans built. I don’t use them, so I don’t mind her using those things. I guess it isn’t a bad thing that the<br />

humans put her in my habitat, and she is entertaining. I just hope she eventually settles down; nap time can be hard when<br />

someone is in the background playing.<br />

The most handsome Serval,<br />

Bowden said:<br />

“I Don’t Want A<br />

New Little Sister!”<br />

Bowden<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org /// 479.253.5841 /// www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

9


10<br />

A Travel Writer’s Perspective<br />

by Jill Rohrbach, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism<br />

Tanya Smith dreams big.<br />

But then, taking care of big cats requires that.<br />

Smith is president and co-founder of Turpentine Creek<br />

Wildlife Refuge, an exotic wildlife sanctuary federally<br />

licensed and regulated by the United States Department<br />

of Agriculture and the Arkansas Game and Fish<br />

Commission. Located in Eureka Springs, this non-profit<br />

organization currently has over 50 large natural habitat<br />

enclosures ranging in size from 5,000 to 20,000 sq. ft.<br />

in which more than 60 exotic and native cats, six black<br />

bears, one grizzly bear, and a variety of other animals<br />

reside.<br />

As a second generation owner of TCWR, Smith saw<br />

a Refuge dream come true on Aug. 18 with a ribbon<br />

cutting and grand opening of the organization’s onsite<br />

veterinary facility – officially the Jackson Memorial<br />

Veterinary Hospital – named for her parents, Don and<br />

Hilda Jackson, who started the Refuge. The new hospital<br />

is the culmination of years of planning, hard work, and<br />

hundreds of thousands of donated dollars.<br />

For more than 20 years, TCWR has worked with Dr. Ron<br />

Eby, DVM at his state-of-the-art St. Francis Veterinary<br />

Clinic located 30 miles from the Refuge in Green Forest,<br />

Arkansas. However, it’s one thing to improve the health<br />

of a five-pound domestic house cat, and quite another<br />

to rehabilitate a 300-plus-pound neglected and abused<br />

victim of the exotic pet trade.<br />

Thus, the new Turpentine large mammal hospital means<br />

the veterinarian can treat the animals on-site, running<br />

blood work, taking x-rays, and performing surgeries. “The<br />

animal doesn’t have to leave the Refuge, and it’s safer<br />

for the animals and the staff,” explains Smith. “There<br />

are three big recovery cages inside with sliding walls so<br />

we can do what we need to. There are heated floors in<br />

the recovery room. It’s just going to make everything<br />

smoother and easier.”<br />

Additionally, the hospital will serve as a unique<br />

educational tool. It has the ability to share information<br />

with vets throughout the world through cameras and<br />

video conferencing. Veterinary students, interns and<br />

others in related fields can also view sterile environment<br />

surgeries via viewing windows outside the operating<br />

area.<br />

“We over built it, which is going to be awesome,” Smith<br />

says. “Past TCWR interns that have become veterinarians<br />

are chomping at the bit to get back here.”<br />

A permanent staff of seven biologists and zoologists and<br />

an intern staff of approximately 16 college graduates<br />

meet the daily care, enrichment, and other needs of<br />

the animals. More than 400 interns have worked at the<br />

refuge since 1996. Internships are offered twice a year for<br />

six month stints. TCWR alumni are scattered all over the<br />

world. Some work at zoos and refuges, some are patrol<br />

and wildlife officers in national parks, and others work at<br />

veterinary hospitals, or as researchers and videographers.<br />

“The team we’ve developed here has made a big<br />

difference,” says Smith. “The interns just care so deeply<br />

about the animals.”<br />

Turpentine operates on an annual $1.98 million budget.<br />

“That’s with all of us making next to nothing and working<br />

long hours,” Smith says. Revenue streams consist of<br />

admission fees, special event fundraising, educational<br />

programs, lodging, gift shop sales, memberships, animal<br />

adoptions and sponsorships, and private donations.<br />

“It’s been a great year for progress,” Smith adds. She has<br />

watched this refuge of humble beginnings mature as a<br />

sanctuary. TCWR has grown substantially in the last five<br />

years. The goal is no longer just getting the animals out<br />

of small concrete floor cages. Finally, they all have grass<br />

under their feet. So the focus of the facility has changed<br />

dramatically.<br />

“The big rescue got us a lot of attention,” says Smith.<br />

“Lots of media attention. We grew flat, then exponential.<br />

It feels like that is where we are now.” The “big rescue”<br />

Smith refers to was one of 34 tigers, leopards, and<br />

cougars from a private facility in Mountainburg. It was<br />

one of the largest rescues in TCWR history. Smith also<br />

attributes the tipping point for the Refuge to its donor<br />

base and social media.<br />

It was ’96 before the refuge owned a computer. Now they<br />

are in a digital world where everything is instantaneous.<br />

“We can write a blog and someone can immediately read<br />

it and make a donation,” Smith says. “Then the growth of<br />

northwest Arkansas is part of it too. [The Refuge] can’t<br />

help but grow. People love coming out here.”<br />

Admission is an all-day pass that includes a guided<br />

walking tour, as well as access to the self-guided area.<br />

Walking tours guided by knowledgeable interns and<br />

staff last about 45 minutes. Groups can make special<br />

arrangements. Trolley tours are available too. There<br />

are a variety of lodging options – suites, a tree house<br />

bungalow, Safari Lodges, and a small RV/camping park.<br />

What’s next as the Refuge works to improve the care of<br />

its big cats? Smith says they are fundraising to replace<br />

the gift shop building. “We’ve been here 24 years now<br />

so things just wear out after a while,” she explains. Ideas<br />

for improvement to the Refuge include a new parking<br />

area, construction of a new gift shop, multipurpose room<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org \\\ 479.253.5841 \\\ www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

with capacity for 200, education center with interactive<br />

displays, café, storm shelter, and improved green spaces<br />

for guests.<br />

An old green building near the current entry was recently<br />

torn down and will be replaced with two habitats that<br />

will be bigger than any of the others. New signage is in<br />

the works as part of the Refuge’s mission to educate. The<br />

Refuge board is looking at an Education Station area with<br />

benches from which to sit and watch the animals above<br />

“Rescue Ridge.”<br />

“People are still learning that the cats can’t be released<br />

into the wild,” Smith explains. “If we’re not educating<br />

along the way, we’re wasting our time.”<br />

In addition to new plans, TCWR must always keep upto-date<br />

with changing regulations. For example, staff is<br />

currently raising all of the habitats by two feet to meet<br />

Arkansas Game and Fish regulations.<br />

As TCWR grows, Smith continues to dream. For example,<br />

she’d like to see a glass viewing area like at the El Paso<br />

Zoo. While the Refuge sits upon 459 acres, there are<br />

over 300 acres available for expansion, including flat<br />

parcels and hillsides that lead to a creek running across<br />

the property. “We’ve talked about everything from<br />

gondola rides down there to…,” Smith laughs. “Might as<br />

well dream big if you’re going to dream.”<br />

The reality is, TCWR needs are consistent: money,<br />

materials, and (wo)man power.<br />

When possible, TCWR uses materials from its own land,<br />

such as clay for the roads, but most services, materials,<br />

contractors, and construction companies need to be paid.<br />

TCWR uses local folks for these endeavors as much as<br />

possible. Then, there are the basic expenses of running<br />

the business.<br />

Smith says they’ve had very few grants written for any<br />

of their work, and would welcome help in that area. The<br />

Refuge is always in need of donations.<br />

The only night of the<br />

year to see our animal<br />

residents after dark,<br />

when they’re most active.<br />

Family event including<br />

themed games, prizes,<br />

hayrides, and more!<br />

Howl-O-Ween<br />

Spooktacular<br />

unless you’re a scaredy cat . . .<br />

“We can break it down into bite-size pieces if people want<br />

to support the dreams and plans,” Smith explains. “You<br />

can even buy a brick.” For example, donors can purchase<br />

a bench for humans for $750, a bench for animals for<br />

$1,000, a ball or small barrel for $300, or a habitat for<br />

$25,000. “We have some great supporters like Fred and<br />

Sherry Sieber of Rogers, who provided habitats for four<br />

tigers,” Smith says. “That’s unusual.” Some habitats don’t<br />

even have a sponsor.<br />

During the big rescue, more than 800 people donated to<br />

the development of Rescue Ridge, which is not open to<br />

the public. “It’s a place animals need in transition [to the<br />

Refuge],” Smith explains.<br />

Much of the meat and animal food products for these<br />

carnivores are donated by several major corporations<br />

like Tyson Foods and Walmart. Typically, TCWR feeds<br />

approximately 800 pounds of raw meat and another 100<br />

pounds of produce per day to the animals under its care.<br />

TCWR does not buy, sell, trade, loan out, or breed animals.<br />

Its animals generally come from private owners who<br />

have relinquished responsibility or are otherwise unable<br />

to care for them, or in cases of abuse, neglect or public<br />

safety, are seized by law enforcement authorization.<br />

So, TCWR is dedicated to the rescue and lifetime care<br />

of these unwanted, neglected, and abused victims of the<br />

exotic pet trade with an emphasis on big cats and bear.<br />

Smith advocates for protective bills to stop the trade of<br />

these animals.<br />

“To maintain approximately 100 [animals] for over 20<br />

years is crazy,” Smith says. “That’s why it’s so important<br />

for me to set this up as a foundation.” Until federal laws<br />

are passed and humans stop breeding and selling big<br />

cats and bears, sanctuaries like TCWR will always be<br />

necessary.<br />

“So we stay true to our mission,” Smith says. “It’s a great<br />

mission and I’m as excited as I’ve ever been about it.”<br />

Save the Date:<br />

October 29<br />

{Saturday before Halloween}<br />

7pm to 9pm<br />

11


Enhancing Your Tour Experience: Beacon Program<br />

Letter from the Curator<br />

Curator Emily McCormack<br />

Now the self-guided tour area at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is better<br />

than ever! Thanks to a new mobile app called BeaconSage, visitors can access<br />

animal biographies, rescue stories, pictures, and more directly on their mobile<br />

device. It’s like having a private tour guide right in your pocket! It is a fun<br />

and educational way to learn about all the animals that call Turpentine Creek<br />

home.<br />

Small electronic units called ‘beacons’ have<br />

been strategically placed around our selfguided<br />

tour area to let those who download<br />

the free BeaconSage app access information<br />

at will, thus creating a more educational and<br />

interactive experience for our visitors.<br />

Beacon technology is relatively new, and<br />

we are still learning about all the amazing<br />

features that the BeaconSage program has<br />

to offer. Our self-guided area always has<br />

a team member available to answer any<br />

questions that visitors might have about the<br />

program or animals. As new features become<br />

available, we will include them on the mobile<br />

pages, making your self-guided experience<br />

even better.<br />

This new program is just one step towards<br />

improving your visitor experience. So<br />

stop in to see the animals, download<br />

the BeaconSage app, and explore!<br />

The BeaconSage app is an educational<br />

tour guide in your pocket. It is full of<br />

information about the animals that live<br />

in our self-guided tour area. Download it<br />

before your next visit and learn all about<br />

the animals that call TCWR home.<br />

Abby Sawyer from Dallas, Texas, is using the<br />

new BeaconSage app to learn all about the<br />

animals in the self-guided tour area. With the<br />

app, Abby learned about each animal’s rescue<br />

story, bio, and how to tell animals apart who<br />

share a habitat.<br />

Another dream realized at TCWR! On August 18, 2016, we held a grand opening event for our on-site, state-of-theart<br />

veterinary facility. The Jackson Memorial Veterinary Hospital was built to help us continue to provide optimal<br />

care for current and future rescued animals. This endeavor could not have been realized without our exceptional<br />

supporters; over 820 people were inspired to donate and make this dream a reality.<br />

Canvased by a stunning exterior, highly advanced veterinary equipment specifically designed for large animals, can<br />

be found throughout the interior of the building. We spent over two years researching other zoological hospitals and<br />

networking with industry colleagues before finalizing purchases, so we know each tool will serve our needs well. The<br />

majority of the equipment is located in the heart of the hospital, where the preparation and surgery rooms are located.<br />

The hospital is also equipped with high-resolution cameras and a media room capable of live-streaming surgeries and<br />

other educational content. The cameras also give our animal care team the ability to observe recovering patients 24<br />

hours per day. An attached garage, designed specifically to house large transport equipment and vehicles, is located<br />

on the south end of the hospital and can effectively become a secondary containment area for newly rescued animals<br />

or assessment purposes, as necessary. The north end of the hospital was designed to serve as a recovery space for<br />

patients. Three custom recovery cages – with moveable, internal walls – take up the majority of the north end. And<br />

with heated floors, the area is sure to keep our animals calm and comfortable throughout their recovery time.<br />

It was an emotional event for past and present TCWR associates, interns, the board of directors, and supporters.<br />

Whether in person or online, we all experienced each stage of this dream – planning, designing, fundraising, building,<br />

painting, furnishing, equipping, and opening – and, in a way, it’s a bittersweet sentiment. We now have an excellent<br />

on-site hospital, available to serve our animals in every way necessary, yet we hope our residents never get sick or<br />

injured. It’s a priceless feeling, though, knowing the facility is there when we need it.<br />

Thank you for supporting this dream and for helping us fulfill promises to our animal ambassadors. Because of your<br />

unwavering support, TCWR continues to be America’s premiere <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Cat</strong> refuge.<br />

12<br />

Improving Your Lodging Experience<br />

On your next visit, you might notice some fantastic new<br />

additions to your vacation experience. Our team has worked<br />

hard so that we can now offer free Wi-Fi Internet to all our<br />

lodging guests and visitors. We encourage all of our visitors<br />

to utilize the free Internet to share their experience at<br />

Turpentine Creek with the world.<br />

Also, we now have a new addition to our lodging options. We<br />

have added a Safari Tent. Our Safari Tent will only be open<br />

seasonally and offers a high-end camping experience. This<br />

“Glamping” tent is family friendly and offers features like a<br />

beautiful fire pit, a standard sized bed, a bunk bed for the kids,<br />

microwave, fridge, and a gorgeous view of the Ozarks.<br />

Safari Tent guests will be able to use our newly built openair<br />

bathroom/shower. In the future, we plan to create more<br />

Safari Tents so that more families can enjoy Turpentine Creek<br />

together.<br />

Please visit our website to donate towards the construction<br />

of new Safari Tents, or for current pricing on all of our lodging<br />

options. Staying at Turpentine Creek overnight is a fun, wild,<br />

and unique experience. Take the vacation of a lifetime and<br />

spend an evening, or two, with us.<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org \\\ 479.253.5841 \\\ www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

After a successful ribbon cutting<br />

and grand opening ceremony, the<br />

fully-finished Jackson Memorial<br />

Veterinary Hospital is ready to help<br />

the first patient. Over the coming<br />

months and years the veterinary<br />

hospital will help save the lives of<br />

the hundreds of animals who call<br />

--- and will call --- TCWR home.<br />

With a joint ribbon cutting ceremony, five<br />

Chambers of Commerce (Eureka Springs,<br />

Bentonville/Bella Vista, Fayetteville,<br />

Rogers/Lowell and Branson Area Lakes)<br />

joined the TCWR team and supporters to<br />

help celebrate the grand opening of the<br />

Jackson Memorial Veterinary Hospital.<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org /// 479.253.5841 /// www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

13


Feeding Your Furry Friends<br />

Animal Diets<br />

Introducing Your Favorite Senior Bobcats<br />

What our animals eat and how much they eat is constantly changing. And making sure our animals have a healthy,<br />

filling diet can be a full-time job. So Hannah Corbin, commissary coordinator and member of our animal care team,<br />

is dedicated to ensuring each resident gets the appropriate food and nutrients they need on a daily basis. Hannah<br />

consults with Emily McCormack, our curator, every other week to evaluate and update each animal’s diet, making<br />

sure we maintain happy, healthy residents.<br />

The diets of captive and wild animals are vastly different. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Cat</strong>s in the wild eat whatever they can kill, and typically<br />

consume the entire carcass. But zebra, antelope and water buffalo are uncommon in Arkansas, so our animals enjoy<br />

an alternative offering. We supplement each animal’s diet – which typically consists of chicken and/or red meat –<br />

with vitamins and nutrients such as Calcium and Taurine, to make sure they get everything they need to stay healthy.<br />

In the wild, <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Cat</strong>s typically make a kill once every few days. And when a food source is scarce, they often gorge<br />

themselves, eating 40, 50, or even 100 pounds per sitting. Many of our animals came from situations where they<br />

didn’t have access to consistent food sources, but we feed our animals on a daily basis, thus eliminating gorging and<br />

other atypical behaviors.<br />

How much we feed each animal per day is dependent on many factors. We take into account the species, weight,<br />

size, and age of the animal to get a general idea of how much the animal should eat. The season, as well as each<br />

animal’s overall health are factors that affect their diet too. Our <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Cat</strong>s tend to eat more in the cooler months and<br />

less in the hotter months. But our bears are just the opposite, eating more in the warmer months and less in the<br />

colder months.<br />

Each animal has a custom diet that our team works diligently to maintain. And thanks to our supporters, we’re able<br />

to give our animals proper diets to make sure they continue to enjoy long, healthy lives on the Refuge.<br />

In January, we rescued Bobby, a 17-year-old blind bobcat,<br />

from a state-run facility in Ohio. Bobby has settled into<br />

life on the Refuge, but after six months, he was still fairly<br />

cautious of his surroundings.<br />

Social enrichment is one of the best types of enrichment<br />

we can offer captive animals, and after lengthy discussions<br />

among our animal care team, we made the decision to<br />

introduce Bobby to Boo Boo, another male bobcat on<br />

the Refuge. Among other considerations, some positive<br />

attributes influencing our decision was that both bobcats<br />

had previously lived with other bobcats, and both animals<br />

are quite mature. We had reason to believe that the animals<br />

would get along well, and interaction with Boo Boo might<br />

even encourage Bobby to explore his environment a little<br />

more.<br />

Before giving Bobby and Boo Boo access to the same<br />

habitat, we let the two get acquainted via a fence between<br />

them. This interaction was very encouraging. They sniffed<br />

each other for a time, but neither animal showed signs of<br />

stress or overly aggressive behavior. So after a few days,<br />

being content with their progress, we removed the barrier<br />

between the two…then waited.<br />

The bobcats’ first face-to-face interaction was promising.<br />

Boo Boo approached Bobby, sniffed, and then went about<br />

his day while Bobby stayed in his night house. For a few<br />

days, this was the sum of their interaction. While Bobby<br />

and Boo Boo kept their distance at first, soon the duo was<br />

spotted laying in the sun near each other. That was a real<br />

treat to see!<br />

Bobby<br />

Bobby and Boo Boo are comfortably coexisting in their<br />

shared habitat. Bobby enjoys watching Boo Boo from<br />

their shared den while they both wait for breakfast.<br />

14<br />

Our representative from Tyson Foods, delivers a new sign to TCWR.<br />

Thanks to the generous donations from Tyson Foods and all of our<br />

donors, we know that all the animals at TCWR will never go hungry.<br />

TC enjoying his morning meal of fresh chicken. He and all the<br />

other animals who call the Refuge home get fed a balanced<br />

diet thanks to the dedicated team members at TCWR.<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org \\\ 479.253.5841 \\\ www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

Bobby is now frequently coming out of his night house to<br />

explore his new habitat; a dramatic change from only a few<br />

weeks prior. We’re very excited that the two are cohabiting in<br />

peace, and we’re hopeful that during the next few months<br />

they will grow more comfortable with each other.<br />

Stop in to visit this dynamic duo sharing a habitat opposite<br />

of their leopard neighbors. And learn more about social<br />

enrichment and how you can help our animals on page 4.<br />

Boo Boo<br />

Boo Boo enjoys spending his days in the grass of<br />

his and Bobby’s shared habitat. Thanks to Boo Boo,<br />

Bobby has also begun exploring his surroundings<br />

more and venturing out into their shared space.<br />

tigers@turpentinecreek.org /// 479.253.5841 /// www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

15


Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge<br />

239 Turpentine Creek Lane<br />

Eureka Springs, AR. 72632<br />

Shasta is our featured animal!<br />

See page 5.<br />

Shasta<br />

Non-Profit Org.<br />

U.S. Postage Paid<br />

Permit No. 20<br />

Eureka Springs, AR<br />

Please fill out this donation form, detach, fold as needed, and mail to:<br />

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge • 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632<br />

Thank You!<br />

Yes! I will help!<br />

Enclosed is my Tax Deductible Contribution of:<br />

2017 Calendars - pre-order: $10 each X ___ calendars + $5 S/H = $_________<br />

Donations: $25 $35 $50 $100 Other $_________<br />

Buy a Brick from Bam Bam<br />

Single Annual Pass<br />

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge<br />

$50<br />

Membership: 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632<br />

Email: tigers@turpentinecreek.org Family Website: Annual www.turpentinecreek.org Pass $90<br />

Phone: 479.253.5841 Office: 479.253.5958<br />

Bam Bam is selling bricks to help all his Veterinary fellow ‘compound critters’ Hospital get a grrreat new habitat like he has. $_______<br />

Your purchase of a “Bam Bam Brick” will go towards our Habitat Fund.<br />

Multi-purpose Welcome Center<br />

Your personalized brick will be displayed in Bam Bam’s viewing walkway.<br />

Buy a Brick from Bam Bam<br />

$_______<br />

Donor Name:<br />

Turpentine Other: Creek ______________<br />

Wildlife Refuge<br />

$_______<br />

Address:<br />

239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632<br />

Email: tigers@turpentinecreek.org Website: www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

Multi-purpose City: Welcome Center: We State: are currently fundraising Zip: to build and equip a new, multipurpose<br />

welcome Phone: center. Among other things, Email: the new facility will enhance your visitor experience with<br />

Bam Bam is selling bricks to help all his fellow ‘compound critters’ get a grrreat new habitat like he has.<br />

interactive educational Your I would purchase like to opportunities, order of a the “Bam following Bam Brick” brick expanded size: will go towards retail our Habitat space, Fund.<br />

multi-functional conference area, and a<br />

light-fare café. Please support our efforts in making this dream a reality. Donate today!<br />

Address:<br />

Bam Bam’s<br />

Brick Program: Phone:<br />

Lay personalized<br />

bricks in Bam Bam’s<br />

viewing walkway<br />

and support the<br />

Habitat Fund,<br />

making grrreat new<br />

habitats for other<br />

residents.<br />

Phone: 479.253.5841 Office: 479.253.5958<br />

Your personalized 4x8 brick Concrete will be Red displayed Brick (3 lines Bam of Text; Bam’s 20 characters viewing each) walkway.<br />

$100.00<br />

Donor Name: 8x8 Concrete Red Brick (6 lines of Text; 20 characters each) $250.00<br />

4x4 Replica Tile (Souvenir; to be shipped to Donor) $25.00<br />

4x8" Brick (Up to 3 text lines of 20 characters each) $100<br />

City: Add ClipArt Image to Brick State: 1 (note text limitation below) Zip: $25.00<br />

I do not wish to buy a brick at this Email: time, but I would like to make a contribution of $<br />

Choose picture: (Reduces text max 3 lines 15 characters each)<br />

I would like to order the following brick size:<br />

Choose ClipArt:<br />

4x8 Concrete Red Brick (3 lines of Text; 20 characters each) $100.00<br />

$25<br />

1<br />

8x8 Concrete Red Brick (6 lines of Text; 20 characters each) $250.00<br />

-***If purchasing a ClipArt image, text limited to 3 lines; 15 characters each on a 4x8. Text limited to 5 lines; 20 characters each on an 8x8.<br />

My Brick Will Say... 4x4 (one Replica character Tile per (Souvenir; box [including to be spaces shipped and to puntuation]. Donor) Please Print Clearly.) $25.00<br />

8x8" Brick (Up to 6 text lines of 20 characters each) $250<br />

Add ClipArt Image to Brick 1 (note text limitation below) $25.00<br />

I do not Choose wish to buy picture: a brick at this (Reduces time, but I would text like to make max a contribution 5 lines of 20 $ characters each)<br />

Choose ClipArt:<br />

$25<br />

1<br />

-***If purchasing a ClipArt image, text limited to 3 lines; 15 characters each on a 4x8. Text limited to 5 lines; 20 characters each on an 8x8.<br />

My Brick Will Say... (one character per box [including spaces and puntuation]. Please Print Clearly.)<br />

4x4" Replica Tile (with brick purchase only, ships to you) $25<br />

Please write your brick text on back of this form, noting maximum characters and lines in selection above.<br />

Total Amount: $ Cash Check Credit Card<br />

CC#<br />

Signature: Exp: CVC:<br />

Adoptions and Sponsorships<br />

Make Checks payable to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.<br />

Mail order forms to address at top of form, attn: Bam Bam Brick Program.<br />

Animal Sponsor:<br />

Small Mammal/Bird<br />

Small <strong>Cat</strong>/Monkey<br />

Cougar/Leopard<br />

Lion/Tiger/Bear<br />

$700/yr<br />

Total Amount: $ Cash Check Credit Card<br />

CC#<br />

Signature: $1,000/yr Exp: CVC:<br />

Make Checks payable to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.<br />

Mail order forms to address at top of form, attn: Bam Bam Brick Program.<br />

$2,200/yr<br />

$2,500/yr<br />

Adoption / Sponsorship includes membership.<br />

Opt out to make donation 100% tax deductible.<br />

Animal Adoption:<br />

Small Mammal/Bird<br />

Small <strong>Cat</strong>/Monkey<br />

Cougar/Leopard<br />

Lion/Tiger/Bear<br />

Membership Opt Out<br />

$100/yr<br />

$100/yr<br />

$125/yr<br />

$150/yr<br />

Adopted/Sponsored Animals Name: ______________________________<br />

Monthly Payments Available For Sponsorships, See Website: www.turpentinecreek.org<br />

Total Contribution: $________<br />

Name:______________________________________________ Phone #: _______________________________<br />

Address:_________________________________________________________________<br />

___________________________________________________________________________________<br />

City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________________________<br />

Input Credit Card below or make checks payable to TCWR.<br />

Credit Card #:<br />

Exp. Date: _/ _ /_ CVC Code: _

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