Collection: Cyrus

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

Original Rescue Story: Cyrus arrived at BCR in 2017 when the Ohio Department of Agriculture learned about a breeding facility illegally possessing exotic small wildcats. Cyrus arrived with his companion, a female caracal named Chaos, and both had been declawed. Originally, Cyrus had been born in Florida at a breeding facility and was further displaced into the illegal pet trade. He arrived at the Ohio breeding facility in his adolescent years and was sold specifically for breeding purposes, which is when he was paired with Chaos. Upon rescuing, the Ohio Department of Agriculture found these two living in a basement with limited light and outside access. TCWR looks forward to providing Cyrus with the continued care he needs to live a prosperous and happy life.