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.

The Natural State is a place of rugged, unfiltered natural beauty, and no place epitomizes this more than the Ozarks. And located in the northernmost part of the state, in the wilds of the Arkansas Ozarks, you'll find a place that is truly, wonderfully wild.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) is run by a board of directors, with Tanya Smith at the helm.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
The daughter of Don and Hilda Jackson, when the animal refuge was established in 1992, Smith was a founding member alongside her parents.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
TCWR is a United States Department of Agriculture licensed, non-profit certified facility that is dedicated to the rescue and care of unwanted, neglected, and abused exotic and native wildlife, with a focus on big cats and bears.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Simply put, TCWR is a sanctuary where large animals are given a safe, loving environment to live out their lives in peace.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
All animals at TCWR are provided large, grassy habitats where they can be as free as possible (while living in captivity) with plenty of enrichment to relieve the stress of boredom and allow them to explore their wild instincts.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

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Because they are wild animals, after all. Grizzly bears, white tigers, lions, and even ligers all call TCWR home.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
The sanctuary is dedicated to providing proper and ethical care of large predator cats. It's certified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), which has rigorous standards to achieve and maintain accreditation.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
There are only a handful of GFAS-accredited big cat or felid sanctuaries in the country, in fact.
With an emphasis on outreach and education, Smith explains that "a visit to the refuge is not just an opportunity to see large, exotic cats [...] but to also learn their story."
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
And their stories will break your heart, too; these are tales of abuse, neglect, and environmental crisis.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
"We are the only voice they have," Smith adds. And that's a responsibility TCWR takes very seriously.
But while these animals can't talk, their actions speak volumes.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
You see, animals, just like people, are incredibly resilient. And love is the most transformative gift of all.
Photo courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
When animals are loved and well cared for, it shows. They are content and relaxed; their health and happiness radiating from within.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
And by that definition, the animals at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge are some of the happiest in the world.

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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Featured Addresses
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, 239 Turpentine Creek Ln, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA