Ozark Cats

Location coordinates:
36°18'38"N, 93°45'28"W
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge,
Eureka Springs, Arkansas



     Imagine yourself in the beautiful Ozark hills on a pristine spring day. You decide to go for a walk. Meandering through verdant fields you admire the colorful wildflowers spread over the landscape. Stopping at the crest of a hill you gaze across the horizon noticing fuchsia-colored redbud trees and dogwoods with pink and white blooms dotting the countryside. A warm breeze pushes up against your face. Closing your eyes you listen to the sounds of the Ozarks: cattle are rustling in a pen not far away, a pair of dogs bark in the distance, a hawk screeches as it rides the rising air currents, a lion roars . . . what?? Yes, that's right - a lion roars. As peculiar as this sounds, it would likely describe the scene if you are walking near Highway 23 south of Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
     Last week I was in Arkansas sorting out some real estate business, and I decided to take a drive to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. This is a 500-acre sanctuary caring for neglected, abused, or otherwise unwanted "big cats". Lions, tigers, cougars, bobcats and leopards are the primary residents with a few bears and monkeys scattered in as well. Many of the cats find their way to TCWR when their misguided owners realize their once cute tiger cub that made for an attention-grabbing pet is now a 600 lb. beast that is considering enjoying them as a tasty lunch treat. (You really have to wonder about people sometimes.) The caring people of TCWR travel the country to rescue big cats from various bad situations, thus preventing these beautiful animals from being euthanized.
     This place is fascinating. Not only can you get closer to the cats than you can in most zoos, but an eager staff of interns, most with degrees in Zoology or Biology, mingle with visitors sharing specific stories about each animal. It is clear these cats are well cared for and loved. Their pens, which range from medium-sized to huge open fields depending on the cats age and/or health, are immaculate. The animals genuinely seem happy at TCWR. And why not? Caring keepers, all the chickens you can eat, clean surroundings, and open fields of lush vegetation in which to romp with playmates. If you can't be running the African savanna grasslands or the rainforests of Asia, Turpentine Creek seems a reasonable substitute for a big cat.
     If you're out and about in northwest Arkansas, drop in on my friend Bombay the tiger, and all the other cool cats at Turpentine Creek (http://www.turpentinecreek.org/). If you appreciate majestic cats you will love the experience. If you're not into big cats, then at least remember the facility if the crazy guy keeping a pet lion turns out to be your next door neighbor!