Collection: Ariel

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. Ariel is one of the 34 cats relocated from BCR.

Original Rescue Story: BCR received a call in July 2014 from a Florida woman whose son needed help rehoming a bobcat that had entered his house four years prior. The individual who took in Ariel did not have a license to have her, which is required in Florida. Luckily, due to the situation, the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) agreed to have BCR take over Ariel’s care due to their rehabbing permit. An allotted amount of time was given to BCR by the FWC to rehabilitate Ariel to be released back into the wild. As an avid and successful hunter in confined spaces, Ariel would flourish in the wild; however, Ariel had developed a trusting relationship with anyone who may have food, ultimately hindering her survival in the wild. In January 2015, BCR was permitted by the FWC to keep Ariel in captivity.