Collection: Shakira

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. Shakira is one of those 34 animals

More about Shakira: Shakira, nicknamed Mama, was one of 115 that Turpentine Creek acquired when they took over a facility in Colorado. The facility’s owner had been diagnosed with cancer and needed someone to care for his animals. Five bears and twenty-seven of the big cats, including Mama Shakira, were relocated to Eureka Springs.  Shakira gave birth to Tanya and Kizmin the day we arrived in Colorado. As far as we know, Shakira who was used extensively for breeding, is the mother of Tanya, Kizmin, Rocklyn, Peyton, Blackfire, Snowball, and Aurora. After rejecting cubs Kizmin and Tanya, Turpentine Creek staff took over their care and moved the trio to Arkansas. Shakira is an amicable tiger but also appreciates her personal space.