Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, the leading big cat sanctuary located in Eureka Springs, held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, June 27, for its highly anticipated 13.5-acre Freedom Field expansion.
The groundbreaking ceremony, on the refuge premises, signifies a major milestone in TCWR’s commitment to providing a safe haven for exotic animals.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry, who expressed his gratitude and unwavering support for TCWR.
“Eureka Springs is blessed to be able to have Turpentine Creek, but it’s also blessed to have the family… all of Turpentine Creek [employees] are considered family,” Berry told attendees. “[Turpentine Creek is] important to the city of Eureka Springs…one of the main attractions. Freedom Field expansion makes it even more impressive; it’s going to bring in more people. Thank you to all of Turpentine Creek family for being able to do what you do and for this big endeavor.”
With an average of 50,000 visitors annually, TCWR currently has an economic impact of $14 million a year. However, the planned $4 million expansion is projected to increase annual visitors to 150,000 and significantly boost the economic impact to $51 million for the state of Arkansas. This substantial surge in tourism will not only benefit the animals at TCWR but also contribute to the local economy, supporting businesses in Eureka Springs and the surrounding communities.
The Freedom Field expansion project is a vital step in TCWR’s ongoing efforts to provide new homes for the Big Cat Rescue cats and prepare for the anticipated rise in animal surrenders or seizures because of the recently expired deadline to register privately owned big cats under the Big Cat Public Safety Act. This expansion will feature cutting-edge enclosures, spacious habitats and enhanced facilities, ensuring the animals receive the highest quality of care and well-being.
“We are incredibly excited to have successfully broken ground on the Freedom Field expansion,” said Tanya Smith, president of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. “This expansion not only allows us to provide homes for more animals but also offers a transformative experience for our visitors. It further advances our mission to educate the public about the challenges faced by big cats and the critical importance of conservation.”
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge extends its heartfelt gratitude to its dedicated staff, volunteers, supporters, and the local community for their unwavering support throughout this significant endeavor. The groundbreaking ceremony symbolizes a remarkable milestone for TCWR, and the refuge eagerly anticipates the positive impact the Freedom Field expansion will have on both the animals and the community.
To learn more about Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and the Freedom Field expansion, visit http://www. tcwr.org/.
