Collection: Blackfire

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. Blackfire is one of those 34 animals. 

More about Blackfire: Blackfire and his siblings, Peyton and Rocklyn came to the Refuge with Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). After a month of medical treatment at our onsite Veterinary Hospital, the cats were back walking and put in their own habitat. Over his life, Blackfire has continued to have medical issues stemming from MBD, including one offsite surgery at Kansas State University Veterinary Hospital. Blackfire is a “professional napper” whether it’s in the sunshine, shade or on his bench! He’ll drown his toys in his pool in the warmer months and is known to be quite laid back, even though he has a more mischievous side.