Travelin' Arklahoma: Roars, rescues, and redemption at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge near Eureka Springs
- Dennis McCaslin
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tucked into the Ozark hills just south of Eureka Springs, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge isn’t your average roadside attraction--it’s a sanctuary where second chances roar to life.
Founded in 1992, this 459-acre haven has become one of the nation’s largest big cat refuges, offering lifetime care to animals rescued from neglect, abuse, and the exotic pet trade.
But 2025 marks a bold new chapter. The refuge recently unveiled a rebranding effort, complete with a new mission statement: “To rescue and provide lifetime sanctuary for captive wild animals.”
And they’re not just talking the talk. In June, Turpentine Creek stepped in to rescue eight exotic cats--including lions, a leopard, and a serval--from a shuttered California facility involved in a federal witness protection case.
Many of these animals arrived with chronic health issues like metabolic bone disease, requiring specialized diets and lifelong care.
The refuge is also going global. Teams are currently coordinating rescues in Canada and Honduras, where big cats are being relocated from unsafe conditions, including a private island tourist attraction.
For visitors, the experience is immersive and unforgettable. You can stroll past enclosures where tigers lounge in the sun, hear lions “caroling” at dawn, or even stay overnight just steps from the sanctuary.
The Zulu Safari Lodges--designed for adults only--offer themed suites with private decks, shared fire pits, and views of the Ozark hills. Rates begin at $200 per night, and every stay directly funds the care of the animals you're visiting.
Day-trippers can choose from a range of admission options:
Adults (13+): $35 at the gate or $32 online
Children (4–12), Seniors (65+), Military/Veterans: $25 at the gate or $22 online
Children under 3: Free
For the truly adventurous, the refuge also offers premium experiences like the Carnivore Caravan ($250/person) or Coffee with the Curator ($500 for up to 5 guests).
The newly expanded Freedom Field--built in partnership with Big Cat Rescue--now houses 33 cats from the famed Florida sanctuary, including stars from the Netflix series Tiger King.
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a family on a summer road trip, or a curious traveler seeking something off the beaten path the next time you’re winding through the Ozarks, take a detour that makes a difference.
The cats are waiting--and they’ve got stories to tell.
