Collection: Marissa

Rescue Story: In 2016, the owner of a Colorado based cub petting and breeding operation was diagnosed with cancer, and could no longer run his profitable business. Turpentine Creek acquired the 12-acre closed-down exhibition facility to enable our rescue of the 115 animals onsite. There, we found big cats suffering in cramped cages with flimsy plywood dens that were dangerously exposed to public areas. Onsite records showed very little history of veterinary care, but revealed that the owner had ties to Joe Exotic, and was breeding his big cats to supply other entities within the cub petting and entertainment industries.

TCWR staff and interns spent six months both onsite caring for the animals, and in the relocation of every animal to accredited sanctuaries throughout the nation. After 6 months, and many miles traveled, all animals were placed in forever homes for a second chance at life and 34 of those animals came to Turpentine Creek. Marissa is one of those 34 animals. 

More about Marissa: Marissa has a lighter face than her sister Louisa, and is a little smaller. Both cougars were just cubs when we rescued them and have since grown into large, agile cats. Her slight size does not prevent this little cougar from being very active. Marissa enjoys her days playing with enrichment toys, chasing one another, and reveling in their new forever home at Turpentine Creek!