Collection: Joey

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. Joey is one of those 34 animals. 

More about Joey: Joey had to have a hematoma removed from her elbow after her arrival at the Refuge, but was otherwise in good health. Sharing a habitat with Khaleesi, Joey is the quietest of the two, and is therefore the best at stalking. While she gets along well with her habitat mate, Joey frequently playfully pouncing on her!  This small pink-nosed tiger is very playful, she enjoys investigating her enrichment items as well as swimming, and observing guests from her perch atop her bench.