Collection: Snowball

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. Snowball is one of those 34 animals. 

More about Snowball: Snowball loves to interact with his neighbors and stalk/run with keepers along the fence line. In the summer months, he loves playing in his pool.  Snowball is one of the more destructive cats at the Refuge, so we installed a special toy for him hanging from his bench. When Animal Care cleans his enclosure, he enjoys chasing the hose water just as much as he loves to lay down for a quick shower in it.