Turpentine Creek

A few years ago my husband and I took an anniversary trip to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Turpentine Creek is home to lions, tigers, bears (oh my! - you knew that was coming), cougars, and even a petting zoo with goats, a sheep and a pot-bellied pig. Most are rescued animals. People across the country buy exotic animals such as a tiger cub because they are so cute. One day, these same people wake up and find out that Fluffy is an 800 pound carnivore who would like to snack on Rover next door. So they call places like Turpentine Creek.

Because their hearts are so big, Turpentine Creek can't refuse to help these cats. Of course, that costs money, especially when the staff is trying to get many of the cats into habitats where they can feel grass under their paws, sometimes for the first time. So that's where you all come in! If you live near Eureka Springs, go visit. It will run you $10-15 for a day pass. Or, you could make a vacation of it, like we did. We stayed in their Treehouse for a few nights and got to hear the big cats caroling to each other in the darkness - what an experience!!!!

If you can't make it, check out their store. (Notice new fancy widget to the right.) OK, really it is more of an adoption center. You can adopt any of their animals for a year. That can be kinda pricey, so maybe you can get one of their calendars for $10. They even have a pic on it of their new baby black leopard, Spyke. (Please note - Turpentine Creek does not purposely breed the animals, but sometimes they are rescued pregnant.) OR, you can check out their online store, where they sell T-shirts, postcards, etc.

One final way to help is to donate STUFF. They can use things as simple as paper towels and first aid kits to something as big as a mobile home. So please check out their site and see how you can help! Every tiny little bit helps!