Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a wonderful place for the whole family.
We had so much fun at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. We want you to be sure to visit when you go on your Eureka Springs trip. Check out our 5 Reasons you should go, our experiences and our 5 tips to help you see the animals better.
*Disclaimer This is a sponsored post, we were invited by Eureka Springs Co-op to visit the refuge. But, keep in mind all thoughts and opinions are our own.
What is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Turpentine Creek is a Wildlife Refuge that saves endangered exotic animals. They rescue and care for rare animals that people mistreated and/or abandoned. They have nearly 100 animals.
It was such a great place that it made it on our list of 20 Family Fun Things to do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. (Check out the full article after reading this one)
5 Reasons You Must Visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
5. Mission
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a true refuge. Their mission statement is “To provide lifetime refuge for abused and neglected “Big Cats” with emphasis on tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars.” Their vision statement is, “Through public education we work to end the Exotic Animal Trade, making sanctuaries like Turpentine Creek no longer necessary; together, we can preserve and protect these magnificent predators in the wild for our children’s future.”
They actively save animals lives. I believe they are truly making an impact in the world of exotic animal care.
4. Animals
The variety of animals they care for is astounding. They have many tigers, lions and bears and many of them are rare breeds I didn’t even know existed.
3. Knowledge
The knowledge the caretakers and guides have is quite impressive. The employees and volunteers we talked to knew so much about the animals. This knowledge includes but was not limited to, where they were rescued, their health conditions and more.
2. Rarity
The Rare Golden Tabby Tiger also known as the strawberry tiger, or Golden Tiger. The Golden Tabby here at Turpentine is Khaleesi. They are created from a rare recessive genetic mutation caused by inbreeding.
1. Location
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is only 7 miles south of Eureka Springs which makes it an easy destination for any Eureka Springs Vacation.
Our Experiences
We visited Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge on our way back home from Eureka Springs. The refuge is still considered to be in Eureka Springs but it is 7 miles south from the downtown areas. It’s a perfect place to stop on the way there or on the way back home for many people.
Considering we had a busy day doing the Historic Tram Tour among other things, we arrived at Turpentine around 4 p.m. which was just in time for their last tour of the day.
The Tour
They have sections you can walk through and see without going on the complementary guided tour but I highly recommend you taking it.
What’s special about the tour?
The tour is guided by a knowledgeable staff member. Ours knew all about the animals and how they obtain them. Our guide was Hannah Wherry.
We started off the tour next to Goober the monkey. She told us about his little house complete with an AC and TV. Goober is a Rhesus Macaque.
Then we headed down to see the different big cats. She knew so much about each one and each type.
We saw Servals hiding in the tall grass and lions relaxing in their homes.
She explained a lot about how the animals were mistreated and how we can help prevent the big cat trade by not supporting the many roadside animal places that are not legitimate sanctuary’s.
Here is a link to a list of what is and is not considered a real sanctuary.
These animals were just beautiful. It was so cool being able to see them up close and hearing each of their rescue and rehab stories.
After the big cats, we walked over to the bears and had a different point of view for some of the other big cats.
After the tour ended, Hannah recommended that we stuck around to watch the behavioral management program.
Behavioral Management Program
They no longer do spectator feeding times because it became troublesome for the animals. Now they have an occasional Behavioral Management Program.
During this program, the staff trains the animals for checkups.
It helps prepare them for the vets to inspect them without having to tranquilize them. This was very informative to watch.
Discovery Area
There are wonderful viewing areas to see the majority of the animals. Before or after the tour, I recommend walking around and seeing the animals from the discovery area.
Some of the best views were in this area.
As you can see Cale absolutely loved looking at the animals.
There is a playground for the kids and a shaded area for the parents to relax at while enjoying the animals.
You can also get an up close look at one of the big cats toys. It’s crazy the depth of the bites and scratches on the ball.
Gift Shop
The gift shop has a lot to choose from if you or your children would like to take home a souvenir. There is something for everyone.
Overall
Overall, we really enjoyed our visit. It was great visiting a true refuge that properly treats and cares for their animals.
We also learned they have lodging available and many options for staying overnight. They said it’s great for hearing the roars of the big cats throughout the evening.
I’d love to go back and experience a night here someday. All of the money raised goes back to the animals.
5 Tips for getting the best views of the animals.
With the enclosures being set up to protect the animals and to protect you at times it may be challenging to get great views especially if you want to get some good photos. Follow these tips to safely get as close as you can to these magnificent creatures.
5. Take the Complimentary Guided Tour
Taking the tour allows you to see different angles, giving you the possibility to see them closer.
4. Bring a Kid
The tigers seemed more curious about my youngest son, Cale. One got up and walked right up to him.
3. Timing
Depending on the time of day and the weather, you may be more likely to see the animals out and about. We went around 4 p.m. and many animals were out and active.
2. Zoom in
Bring a camera with a zoom or bring binoculars. I brought my Canon 5D MK II with a 24-105mm lens.
1. Revisit
Turpentine Creek is the type of place you can visit multiple times and get different experiences. You never know which animal might be more rambunctious the day you visit.
Where is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge?
It is in Eureka Springs, Arkansas . See it below on the map.
More info
Hours, Pricing, Lodging information and so much more can be found on the Official Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Website. (While you are there be sure to donate to help the animals.)
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If you have any questions or would like to say hi please Comment below.
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Be sure to check out what else made our list of 20 Family Fun Things in Eureka Springs, Arkansas!
Khaleesi isn’t the last of her kind. Golden tabby tigers are a rare recessive genetic mutation (much like white tigers) and it only comes out in captivity due to inbreeding.
Oh, thank you for letting us know about Khaleesi. I have updated the article with this new information. She is a beautiful tiger. We loved our experience at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Thanks for all you and your team do.
Wish these refuges weren’t necessary but I’m glad they’re open to the public. Great place for kids and quite a different, more affordable option than going to zoos. Looks like the family had fun.
I understand that you can stay in the refuge overnight what kind lodging do you have?
Hi, Thanks for the comment. You can find out all about staying at the refuge here. https://www.turpentinecreek.org/stay-with-us/view-all/