Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

A Sanctuary With Heart

On our spring trip to Eureka Springs, we spent an afternoon at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a place that surprised us with both its scale and its soul. We visited in April 2026 with two of our grandchildren, and watching the refuge through their eyes made the experience even more powerful. They were pointing and chatting about the animals from the moment we stepped onto the grounds—partly because of the tigers lounging in the sun, but also because the staff shared each animal’s rescue story with such care and respect.

Set in the rolling Ozark Mountains, Turpentine Creek spans more than 450 acres and provides a permanent home for nearly 100 rescued animals. Most are big cats—tigers, lions, leopards, even the occasional liger—but the refuge also cares for cougars, bobcats, and bears. Every resident has come from a background of neglect, exploitation, or the exotic pet trade, and because they were born in captivity or declawed, they cannot survive in the wild. Here, they finally get the space, safety, and dignity they deserve.

More Than a Visit—A Mission

What sets Turpentine Creek apart is its clear commitment to Rescue, Education, and Advocacy. The refuge has been doing this work since 1992, though the Jackson family began rescuing big cats long before that. Their mission extends far beyond housing animals: they educate visitors about the realities of private ownership, roadside zoos, and cub‑petting operations. Our grandchildren were fascinated by the stories, and it sparked thoughtful conversations about why true sanctuaries have a strict no‑contact policy. No selfies with cubs here—just respect for the animals’ boundaries.

The refuge also played a key role in the passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act in 2022, a milestone that now prohibits private ownership and public handling of big cats in the United States. Their on‑site Jackson Memorial Veterinary Hospital ensures residents receive specialized medical care, something many never had before arriving.

What It’s Like to Visit

Visitors explore the refuge through guided tram or van tours, which are both informative and surprisingly intimate. Our guide introduced us to several animals by name, sharing how each one arrived and how they’ve adapted to sanctuary life. The kids loved hearing about the personalities—who likes splashing in their pool, who prefers napping on high platforms, who roars back at the neighbors.

For those who want to linger longer, Turpentine Creek even offers on‑site lodging, from safari‑style lodges to treehouses and glamping tents tucked into the woods. It’s a rare chance to fall asleep to the distant rumble of lions—something we’re already considering for a future visit.