Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary located just outside Eureka Springs and committed to providing lifelong homes for abused, abandoned, and neglected big cats, has recently announced the arrival of three magnificent tigers — Kimba, Simba, and Max— from Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Fla.

After an 1,100-mile journey, the felines moved into their new forever home at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge’s newly developed Freedom Field on Friday, Sept. 29.

In November 2019, Big Cat Rescue welcomed three former circus tigers from Guatemala, rescued by Animal Defenders International in 2018. After a year of international negotiations, Kimba, Max and Simba arrived at Miami International Airport on Nov. 25, 2019.

This relocation is a joint effort between Big Cat Rescue and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, as announced earlier this year. These are the first of the Big Cat Rescue cats to make the journey to Arkansas.The tigers were transported in specially designed enclosures, prioritizing their comfort and safety throughout the journey.

On Saturday, Sept. 30, Kimba, Simba, and Max took their first steps into Freedom Field. This innovative habitat expansion offers ample space and enrichment opportunities, providing the perfect environment for these magnificent cats to thrive.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the celebration of the new chapter in the lives of Kimba, Simba, and Max and to support Freedom Field and the ongoing need for future big cat rescues.

A funding gap of more than $800,000 remains to complete this project, ensuring the future care and happiness of animals in need of rescue.