Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has announced the successful completion of a historic endeavor, welcoming 33 wild cats from Carole Baskin’s Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Fla.
Baskin, who was featured prominently in Netflix’s “Tiger King,” and Big Cat Rescue donated their animals to TCWR, who built a wew state-of-the-art 14- acre expansion, Freedom Field. This collaboration marks a milestone in the commitment to providing lifetime care for exotic animals in need.
In January 2023, Carole and Howard Baskin of Big Cat Rescue approached TCWR about their decision to relocate their animals and sell the Tampa property worth millions. They were seeking an accredited facility to ensure the lifetime welfare of their remaining rescued feline residents. After careful consideration, the Baskins determined TCWR to be the optimal choice for the well-being of their exotic cats.
Breaking ground in March 2023, TCWR initiated the ambitious Freedom Field expansion, a more than $3.5 million project to create habitats conducive to the comfort and natural behaviors of the rescued felines. BCR contributed $1.72 million toward the endeavor. The monumental effort required meticulous planning and execution, with miles of fencing and essential infrastructure completed in record time.
The five-phase transfer process commenced on Sept. 28, 2023, and concluded on Dec. 28, 2023, involving six tigers, 18 bobcats, two caracals, two savannah cats and five African servals. The tigers were prioritized in the initial phases to allow them to acclimate and develop their winter coats ahead of the colder weather.
The successful relocation of the BCR cats to Freedom Field signifies a triumph for animal welfare and positions Turpentine Creek to address future rescues resulting from enforcement actions under the Big Cat Public Safety Act, signed into law in December 2022.
This groundbreaking legislation protects animals and the public by regulating private ownership of big cats.
Join TCWR at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 27, for a public ribbon- cutting ceremony for the Freedom Field expansion. TCWR will mark the official opening of Freedom Field, symbolizing a new chapter in the organization’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
As soon as the ribbon- cutting ceremony is over, the Refuge will close to the public for TCWR’s 32nd anniversary celebration, Feast with the Beasts, a private ticketed event. This year, a day event will close TCWR to the public. Howard and Carole Baskin have purchased their tickets and plan to attend.
Freedom Field ensures the well-being of the relocated Big Cat Rescue wild cats and lays the foundation for Turpentine Creek’s continued animal rescue and conservation efforts. The expansion of 44 new enclosures provides critical habitats for anticipated future rescues, aligning with Turpentine Creek’s commitment to promoting the welfare and preservation of exotic wildlife.
There are still 11 habitats that are available for sponsorship. You could put your company or family name on the habitats to show your support to others while receiving a significant tax deduction. For updates and further information, please visit www. tcwr.org
