Click on the podcast button to watch podcast 7.
Lynn McNutt sponsored the new cougar habitat. This past Saturday afternoon she also was the one who
got to open the door to let Ariel out into the large habitat for the first time.
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Turpentine Creek Update
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge takes about two dozen staff members, volunteers, and interns to even
begin to get things done around here. From time to time we open a new habitat. On these days all of us are reminded why we are
working our fingers to the bone. To watch the animals enter a place of "Freedom" and run for the first time really touches the heart. This is why all
of you, our supporters, have chosen to get involved too. We all want to rescue needy animals and provide them with the opportunity to live out their
lives with dignity. We now have 28 habitats and room to build at least 150 more. Our habitat fund is now depleted. We need your help with funding more
habitats. The next habitat will house our four leopards and be about 25 feet tall and about 7000 square feet. Please help us, help them. Donate today
by clicking the blank button on the right.
Cat Of The Week - CJ
CJ was born on 10/21/2000 and came to the refuge on 10/21/2002.
He is one of the 21 Big Cats Turpentine Creek rescued from Safari Park in Quitman, AR. when the breeding
facility went out of business. This rescue is one of the largest rescues in which Turpentine Creek has ever been involved . The retrieval of cats
spanned a three-month period. Many of the cats needed medical attention, and all were hungry. CJ was accompanied by his sister, Cessna, along with
eight other Big Cats. CJ is one of TCWR’s largest lions.
U of A Students Get Involved
Because of my love for animals, I had spent most of
my childhood days dreaming of becoming a veterinarian or a zookeeper. Fortunately, I incorporated my desire to help animals into my
decision to pursue a biological engineering degree at the University of Arkansas. When I understood what engineering was and that I
could apply it to areas of interest to me, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.
I first encountered Turpentine Creek on a Friday night in El
Dorado, Arkansas during the MusicFest in 2003. I talked with the staff members to learn a little bit about how the facility helped
rescued animals, then I spent a lot of time just looking at the tiger that they brought with them. I even came back the next day to
watch the tiger some more. I had never been that close to a magnificent creature like that.
My passion for these animals made me keep in touch with Turpentine Creek over the years through newsletters, videos, the
website and visits to the refuge.
I had learned about opportunities to help the animals by
volunteering and doing internships. However, due to certain factors I was unable to do much. It wasn’t
until I started my senior year in college that my passion to help these animals became a reality. My senior design project began
because of my desire to stay connected with Turpentine Creek. I called and talked with the volunteer coordinator and told her of
our program and asked how we could help. She gave me a great idea, and my teammate and I have been working on developing a new food
preparation process for the refuge.
It has given me great satisfaction to know that I am finally
getting the opportunity to improve the lives of the animals. Our project will be complete by the end of April,
but I will treasure the fact that I have contributed to the well-being of so many magnificent creatures that have found a safe place to
be. I will also cherish the time I have had to get to know the people who dedicate their lives to these animals and spend day in
and day out with them. Thank you Turpentine Creek for giving me a chance to realize a childhood dream.
Jenna
Jannings
Biological Engineering Student
March
21, 2009 |
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This photo shows how the interns and staff processed meat before the University of Arkansas
engineering students helped solve the problem. Check out the podcast to see the new system at work.
Click to donate to habitat fund.
Cat of the week -CJ
CJ just hanging out in his habitat.
The U of A project cut the meat processing time in half. Way to go! |
