Collection: Butch

Rescue Story: Butch was born to Priscilla, a female tiger rescued by Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), as part of a high-profile seizure of 68 big cats from Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (Tiger King Park). This operation, requested by the federal government, required extensive coordination by TCWR's President, Tanya Smith, with the Department of Justice and Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA). After months of preparation, officers escorted TCWR team members to the facility. Our team transported 10 seized cats to the Refuge and eight others to two additional GFAS-accredited sanctuaries. GFAS sanctuaries uphold high standards in animal care. Unlike Priscilla, who we rescued from a cub petting scheme, Butch will experience true refuge and safety throughout his life. He lives with his brother, Chaz, a common practice in the wild until cubs are about twenty-four months old and become independent. Butch and Chaz enjoy playing with small boomer balls and napping together, mimicking the wild behavior where tigers sleep up to 18-20 hours to conserve energy for hunting.