Need some wholesome news? Animal sanctuary Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge recently welcomed a 6-month-old tiger to its facilities.
Located in Eureka Springs, Turpentine Creek specializes in the rescue of big cats from the exotic animal trade. In March, the 459-acre refuge received 35 big cats from Big Cat Rescue, a sanctuary that was involved in taking down the operations of Joe Exotic, of “Tiger King” fame.
The new cub — whose name is, of course, Fred — is described in a press release as “energetic and playful” with an “innate zest for life.” Though details about his origin story haven’t been shared, his arrival marks the first rescue operation at Turpentine Creek since President Joe Biden signed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which codifies the illegality of private ownership of big cats, in December 2022. People who already own big cats are grandfathered in, though, and have until June 18 to register their animals with the feds.
Since its founding in 1992, Turpentine Creek has played a role in rescuing and transporting over 500 animals from situations involving abandonment, abuse and neglect.