Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge can now share the story of Tony, A.K.A. Fred, a young tiger rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, after the recent sentencing of twoArkansas men involved in his trafficking.
Fred was brought to TCWR on April 28, 2023, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after authorities uncovered his illegal sale violating the Big Cat Public Safety Act. Because of the ongoing court case, TCWR was previously unable to disclose details about Fred’s rescue. Now, with the case concluded, TCWR can reveal how Fred found sanctuary and safety after being exploited as a commodity in the exotic pet trade.
Two Arkansas men, Keidrick Damond Usifo and Deon Johnson, were found guilty of violating the Big Cat Public Safety Act. Usifo, 30, of Conway, was sentenced to five years’ probation and a $5,000 fine, while Johnson, 29, of Little Rock, Arkansas, received 18 months’probation and a $1,000 fine for one count of misprision of a felony.
The investigation, led by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and USFWS, revealed that Usifo attempted to purchase a tiger cub from an out-of-state seller without proper authorization. Johnson assisted in concealing the transaction. Both were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 5, 2024. After the March indictment, USFWS worked with U.S. Marshals in Faulkner County on Operation Early Harvest to bring Usifo into custody. Operation Early Harvest, a multi-agency effort aimed to bring repeat offenders and individuals involved in violent offenses into custody, ensured Usifo was apprehended and held accountable. Both men pleaded guilty on October 22, 2024.
Fred’s rescue highlights the disturbing reality of big cat trafficking in the United States. Private ownership of big cats has long been a problem, with cubs like Fred being bred, sold, and often mistreated by individuals unprepared to meet their complex needs. These animals frequently end up in dangerous situations—neglected, abandoned or seized by authorities when laws are broken.
“This is exactly why the Big Cat Public Safety Act was passed,” said Tanya Smith, president and founder of TCWR. “These animals are not pets, and they should never be treated as merchandise. Fred was a victim of greed and ignorance, but thanks to the enforcement of the law and our partnership with federal authorities, he will now live a life free from abuse.”
When Fred arrived at TCWR, he needed specialized care. Tigers require proper nutrition, ample space and an environment that allows them to express natural behaviors. The team at TCWR immediately provided him with a comprehensive health evaluation, a proper diet and a secure habitat where he could decompress from his stressful past.
Over time, Fred has adapted to his new home. He enjoys playing with enrichment toys, lounging in the sun and exploring his habitat — behaviors that were denied to him in his previous life. As he has grown, his personality has begun to shine. He is curious, energetic and playful, traits that reflect the care and stability he now experiences.
Fred’s story is just one example of why continued enforcement of the Big Cat Public Safety Act is essential. Illegal breeding and selling of big cats remains a serious issue, and many more animals will suffer the same fate without proper intervention.
TCWR remains committed to working alongside federal and state agencies to rescue, rehabilitate and advocate for big cats in need, which was reflected in TCWR’s 2024 acceptance as a rescue facility in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Confiscation Network. This prestigious recognition underscores TCWR’s commitment to the highest animal welfare, conservation, and ethical wildlife care standards. This designation strengthens TCWR’s ability to collaborate with trusted conservation organizations, government agencies and accredited sanctuaries to address the ongoing crisis of big cat trafficking.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge urges the public to support ethical wildlife conservation by refusing to engage with facilities that exploit big cats for profit and spreading awareness about the dangers of private ownership.
