Turpentine Creek "Cat Of The Week"

Emergency Trip To Vet School For Mack and BB King

Mack and B.B. King’s Journey

Emily McCormack

  For those of you who aren’t familiar with our youngest tigers, Mack and B.B. King were born May 31, 2008 from a female tiger, Tigger G, who was rescued from Missouri in April.  The refuge staff brought her and her mate, Ziggy, back to the facility not knowing she was pregnant.  Ziggy was neutered the following morning after his arrival.  Three weeks later, we were astounded by the surprise.  Our rescue of two tigers had turned into four.  Mack and B.B. King were favorites at the refuge this past summer.  They are now about 8 months old and weigh almost 70lbs.
  About three weeks ago, B.B. King had a limp on one of his front legs.  He was examined by one of our vets, and we couldn’t find a mark on him.  So, this was attributed to him and Mack wrestling too rough.  A few days later, he began to limp on the other front leg.  At that time, we separated Mack from B.B. King.  They both went on a trip to the vet.  Mack had not yet been neutered, and was possibly trying to be the dominate male.  While at the vet, B.B. King had multiple x-rays taken of his front legs, and Mack was neutered.  Everything went smoothly, but B.B. King’s results were inconclusive.  Dr. Brandt consulted with K-State Veterinary College and Hospital.  B.B. King was prescribed with a pain medication in hopes to see improvement.
  As B.B King started to improve, Mack began to limp on one of his front legs.  This brings a completely new list of possible problems.  We again consulted with the vets and began Mack on the treatment.  A few days later, we arrived in the morning to B.B. King limping on a back leg.  The vets now are attributing this to a possible genetic problem.
  We are all very concerned about the boys.  They will be arriving at K-State Veterinary Hospital on Monday, January 26 for extensive testing.  The cost of just the testing could run up to $4500, not including if they need surgery.  We would appreciate any donations possible towards B.B. King and Mack’s veterinary care.  We find ourselves dead in the middle of winter when the refuge income is at its lowest. Please help.The boys would also appreciate any get well toys that are sent.  The staff truly thanks everyone for their donations, support and prayers.  We will keep you updated on the results.

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Turpentine Creek "Cat Of The Week"

Kit Kat, Long Time Tiger Resident About To Get a Habitat

By Kellyn Kearney, Intern

  Kit Kat, one of TCWR's long time tiger residents, will finally get out into a habitat in the very near future. Kit Kat was brought to Turpentine Creek about nine years ago and has since remained up in the compound area. Though it is unfortunate that the reason for the move is due to the passing of the lovable Conway, the white Bengal tiger who used to reside out in the habitat, we are all very excited as Kit Kat will at last be able to run around and play with the grass under his paws. As he is an extremely playful good-natured tiger and a large boy, we are sure he will take full advantage of his new play area (and hopefully lose a few pounds).

  Rescued from a small town outside St. Louis, Missouri, Kit Kat's previous owner did not have a permit allowing him to own an exotic cat nor could he obtain one. Because of this, the Conservation Department of Missouri gave the owner until September 10, 2000 to get rid of the tiger or else the tiger would be euthanized. Luckily, the man got in contact with TCWR just in time. Kit Kat arrived here September 9, 2000, one day before he would have been put down. He was only one and a half years old but in excellent health. We have been taking good care of Kit Kat ever since.

 

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Turpentine Creek Cat Of The Week

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Sheriff’s Call to Turpentine Creek about a Loose Lion

 Last week at 1:30am Scott answers our home phone, it is the Sheriff’s Department. Nothing makes your heart stop like a call at that time of the night from the Sheriff’s office. On this still, cold early morning a neighbor called the sheriff’s department and said her dogs were going crazy and that there was a lion in her yard. After talking to the deputy on duty he suggested that Scott call the lady and find out what was going on. Scott talked to the woman and asked her if she could see a lion and she admitted that she hasn’t seen a lion but it sounds like it is in her yard. This prompts us to do an inventory check on all animals. Everyone was safe and secure in their lock downs. Willy, a male African lion we rescued last summer, is the loudest lion I have ever heard. If the wind is still enough, you can hear this lion roar 3 to 5 miles away. In the Ozark Mountains sound travels and I am sure it sounded like Willy was in the lady’s back yard.

I encourage all of you to come and stay at the refuge to hear the lions carol at night. It is a beautiful sound. When one lion roars it sets in motion the roars of the other lions which we call caroling. With Willy still in our quarantine area near the house even our dogs have been joining in and it is quite the quartet!  Please know that you are safe when you are at the refuge and that we take all precautions to make sure the animals stay in their areas. No animal has ever escaped from TCWR and our dedicated staff is here to make sure that never happens. 

Willie and Ava will be moved to the main compound as soon as the new cougar habitat is complete. This will make room for this odd couple:  Willie is a lion but his companion is a tiger. We are hoping to have them on display by next week.

The winter is a great time to visit the refuge. TCWR is open every day from 9AM- 5PM. Habitat tours are hourly from 11AM- 3PM then we feed the animals at 4PM. Bundle up and bring your friends and family for an exciting time, the cold weather makes the cats frisky and fun to watch.

Turpentine Creek Suffers From High Winds

 TCWR takes all precautions to take care of the animals through storms, high wind, rain and ice and snow, December 26, 2008 we were hit hard with a wind storm that took out many limbs and resulted in two of the intern’s cars having severe damage. My house had part the tin roof blow off and had to be repaired. No one was hurt, people or animals, but it is times like these that we are thankful for our staff and interns to not only do the everyday ordinary work at the refuge but to step up and do the other things, like cut the trees up that have fallen.

  Back in the spring we lost one of our large trees and had to paya tree service company to come and top the tree. Believe me, it wasn’t cheap. With six huge trees needing trimmed and four of the six needing to come down, Scott rented a lift and Chris went up as high as he could and started cutting. Today the trees are cut into fire wood and almost hauled away. There were some scaring times for Chris in the wobbly bucket. Emily had her chain saw going and everyone available pulled together to fix the situation. Some of the trees by staff housing have stood for 100 + years. It is a shame to have to bring down those beautiful trees but unfortunately they had to come down. Thanks for all you do to help the refuge. We never know what the day will bring our way but I am always grateful for the people that keep the refuge running and the animals safe. Have a happy 2009 and remember to do all you can to help us help the animals.

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The "Best Stories Ever Told" CD

The 2009 Edition of the "The Best Stories Ever Told" CD is ready to order. This CD includes a photo of each animal at the refuge along with their story. It also has the animals' birthday and date of arrival. The CD sells for $30 plus $5 shipping and handling. It is in full color and is formatted much like the plaques on the animals' cages. Please, buy one today!

 

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