Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is the largest big cat sanctuary in the United States with over 130 beautiful animals on over 450 acres in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

How and why people and companies find themselves in possession of lions, tigers, cougars, cheetahs, or other big cats is another story but the fact of the matter is, more often than not, these animals prove to be more of a challenge than the owner had expected and, soon enough, they find themselves in need of a home for their erstwhile pet or mascot.

This is where wildlife refuges come in and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a front runner in providing just the kind of home these, believe it or not, helpless and sometimes abused or neglected animals need.

USDA licensed Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge was started in 1992 by the Jackson family. Already successful caretakers of big cats in the late 70’s, they found themselves continually in the position of helping to find homes for other, unwanted exotic cats. One particular incident in the early 90’s found them looking at 42 homeless big cats at once; the birth of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge houses the animals they care for in large, natural habitats that surround a main compound. Visitors take self-guided tours throughout the refuge or can enjoy one of the daily walking tours given by Turpentine Creek interns. A number of popular events are held annually at the refuge, including a Kite Festival and a Halloween event, and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge remains one of the top attractions in Eureka Springs, year ’round.