Refuge in northwest Arkansas hopes to help captured animals from Ohio

Turpentine Creek is already home to 116 big cats

October 19, 2011|by Dustin Hodges, KY3 News | dhodges@ky3.com

EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. -- Ohio police on Wednesday killed dozens of escaped wild animals -- including tigers, leopards, lions, wolves, bears and monkeys -- that were released from a farm near Zanesville before the owner committed suicide. Officers said they had no choice, given the nature of the beasts. Here in Carroll County, Turpentine Creek Animal Refuge is home to many exotic animals, and its owners explained why wild animals should be both admired and feared.

"Most of the animals come in because someone thought that a cute little cub would make a good pet and then it starts growing and getting larger," said Tanya Smith.

"Big cats are incredibly destructive. This was a cedar fence post," said Scott Smith as he showed off the remains of a piece of wood that was demolished by big cats. "When they get big like that, they become a liability."

When they become a liability, they often wind up at an animal refuge, if they're lucky.

"If it wasn't for the refuge, then about 90 percent of our animals would have been put to sleep," said Tanya.

CJ the lion was brought to Turpentine Creek from a similar facility in Arkansas where four big cats escaped because they were being housed in poorly made cages. Those four had to be put down; CJ and 20 others were lucky enough to be brought here.

"This is Bam-Bam, a 4-year-old grizzly bear. Although he's a really neat animal, by his claws you can see why a grizzly bear wouldn't make a good pet," said Scott.

That's why, when let loose, they can be extremely dangerous.

"Whenever you're talking about lions, tigers, cougars, leopards -- they're raw meat eaters. These animals are scared because they're not in their own environment," said Tanya.

But, even with more than 115 big cats already, Turpentine Creek would gladly take a few more.

"We're pretty full here but we're going to do everything we can to help out those animals in Ohio," said Tanya.

Turpentine Creek has 116 big cats, as well as bears and a Rhesus Monkey. The Smiths encourage anyone thinking about having an exotic animal as a pet to volunteer at an animal refuge first, so as to be able to make an educated decision.

|

|

|