Turpentine Creek Receives Grant to Help Relocate Tigers

An international group is stepping in to help rescue several animals here in the Natural State.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare annouced Thursday it would be making an emergency grant.

The money will help Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge rescue the remaining ten big cats from a private home near Mountainburg.

"Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is honored to have the help and support from IFAW," said Tanya Smith, TCWR President, in a press release. "Together we are making a difference for each of the animals we are relocating."

KNWA first told you about this ongoing rescue effort back in November of 2012.

An elderly woman was housing 34 big cats, including tigers and cougers, and could no longer take care of them herself.

"The housing conditions have deteriorated significantly and are now too insecure to contain big cats, especially tigers. It is as unsafe for the animals as it is for the public," said Kelly Donithan, IFAW Animal Rescue Officer, in a press release. "We want to relocate the animals to TCWR as soon as possible so that they can be safely housed and receive the proper care they require."

Thanks to the IFAW grant, Turpentine Creek will be able to move the remaining cats and build habitats for them at its facility near Eureka Springs.

To learn more about Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the International Fund for Animal Welfare.