One Of The Most Incredible Small Businesses In Arkansas, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Is A Haven For Big Cats
By Sarah McCosham|Published August 04, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Here at Only in Arkansas, we spend a lot of time lauding our state’s beautiful natural assets: the parks, rivers, mountains, forests, and abundance of outdoor recreation that make the Natural State so special. Implicit in the natural wonders of Arkansas, of course, is its wildlife; both the creatures native to Arkansas and those who, for whatever circumstances, now call it home. This is where the story of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas begins.
In December 1991, Don and Hilda Jackson, already the owners of two lions, were asked to assist a woman who was keeping 42 lions and tigers in three cattle trailers in a rural area near Hope, Arkansas. After observing the animals’ living conditions and diminished health, the Jacksons ultimately ended up rescuing 14 of these neglected big cats. This was just the tip of the iceberg, however. As word of mouth spread, and additional large felines found their way to the Jacksons, the family established Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and Foundation (TCWR) in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, as a safe haven for big cats in critical need of rescue. This is the story of one Arkansas family affecting big change, one big cat at a time.
Many thanks to Tanya Smith, President of Turpentine Creek Animal Refuge for sharing the story and mission of this amazing facility. Learn more about this incredible nonprofit, including how to donate to the cause, at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge website, Facebook, and Instagram pages, or by calling (479) 253-5841.
Of course, Turpentine Creek Animal Refuge is just one of the Natural State’s numerous noteworthy nonprofits. Please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Only In Arkansas article. And be sure to follow Only In Arkansas on Facebook and Instagram to learn about the Natural State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events!
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