Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge ended 2024 celebrating a transformative year of progress and hope for big cat conservation.

In 2023, TCWR welcomed 33 big cats from Big Cat Rescue, an accredited sanctuary formerly located in Tampa, Fla.

It was a monumental rehoming effort made possible by the shared commitment to improving the lives of rescued animals and ending private big cat ownership. The successful relocation reflects a collective dedication to ensuring these magnificent creatures thrive in spacious, safe, and enriching habitats.

At the heart of this transition lies Freedom Field, a newly developed area within Turpentine’s expansive sanctuary. Designed to provide large, naturalistic habitats, Freedom Field allows the relocated animals to roam, play, and exhibit their wild behaviors in an environment tailored to their physical and psychological well-being.

“This collaboration represents a new chapter for big cat advocacy,” said Tanya Smith, president of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. “We’re honored to partner with Big Cat Rescue to provide these animals with a second chance at life. Freedom Field embodies our mission to create a sanctuary where rescued wildlife can thrive.”

Big Cat Rescue’s transition to a support-based role aligns with its long-term goal of reducing the need for sanctuaries through legislation, education, and conservation.

This mission mirrors Turpentine Creek’s own dedication to addressing the small exotic cat crisis and advocating for stricter laws to protect wild animals from exploitation.

The passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act in 2022 has been instrumental in reducing private ownership and breeding, signaling a brighter future for big cats.

In 2024, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge was accepted as a rescue facility in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Conservation Network. This designation recognizes Turpentine’s commitment to the highest standards of animal care, ethical practices, and conservation efforts. Being part of the network allows Turpentine to collaborate with leading conservation organizations, share resources, and further its mission of protecting big cats and other exotic animals.

As part of its ongoing commitment to conservation, Turpentine Creek continues to expand its facilities, programs, and partnerships. The success of Freedom Field and the care provided to the rehomed animals highlight its role as a leader in wildlife rescue and sanctuary operations.

Howard Baskin of Big Cat Rescue praised the transition, saying, “We visited them and saw them jumping around in this big open space. That was great to see.”

To learn more about Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, visit turpentinecreek.org.