Collection: Aria

Rescue Story: In 2023, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) took in 34 cats from Big Cat Rescue, an accredited Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) sanctuary in Tampa, FL. Big Cat Rescue (BCR) was founded in 1992 to safeguard the world's exotic wildcat species through a multifaceted approach with conservation efforts to protect them in captivity and their natural habitats. BCR championed the fight on Capitol Hill, which aided in passing the Big Cat Public Safety Act in December of 2022. With united missions, BCR and TCWR have collaborated in rescuing exotic animals nationally, and both are founding members of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA). BCR has been a leader in captive wildlife advocacy for over 30 years, and with the new Act passed in Congress, its mission has shifted to focus on conservation efforts in the wild. BCR approached TCWR in 2023 about relocating their remaining animals to the beautiful Ozarks. TCWR broke ground on the new habitat expansion, known as Freedom Field, in 2023, where BCR animals will reside. Aria is one of the 34 cats relocated from BCR.

Original Rescue Story: BCR rescued Aria in September 2019 from the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). The ODA seized Aria due to the lack of veterinary care and the deplorable living conditions in which her previous owner kept her. Aria was in critical condition after the seizure, and her fate was unknown. She was emaciated due to the poor diet she had been given throughout the years and had a large wound on her side due to the lack of space to live. Additionally, Aria had multiple broken teeth and had become resistant to antibiotic treatment, making it a longer and more difficult process for her to heal. Aria was placed into BCR’s Witness Protection Program to ensure safety and care for her while the state of Ohio worked to gain legal ownership of her. Despite Aria’s hardship, she is a survivor - like many others - coerced into the exotic pet trade.