Turpentine Creek Exotic Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs

Take the family and enjoy not only the animals but the great people! Scott, Tanya and the crew are the best bunch of people! Be amazed by the beauty of the Big Cats and other Animals they have rescued.

I wasn't sure about this place at first but it is very neat, very interesting. You don't realize how big these cats are until you are up close to them and can see for yourself. The best part is how scary their growls and roars are. To see the most action you have to go at a little before feeding time. We got there at 3:15, which gave us time to look around by ourselves before the 45 minute guided tour that started at 4:00. Feeding time was at 5:00 and they closed at 6:00. I would not recommend the tour for anyone that cannot walk uphill on gravel. The kids loved this little monkey that is there. His name is Goober and he is cute.

My husband and I were amazed at how clean and well maintained this refuge was. The staff/volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, while each of them never stopped working to talk to us. They were very busy and yet took time to takl to us as we asked questions about the cats and other animals. All of the animals appeared to be clean and well fed, well cared for. It is beyond me how someone can abuse or neglect animals, and really saddens me that it goes on more than we are aware. We both came away with a real appreciation for Turpentine Creek and what service this refuge provides. I hope it continues to be a safe place for those animals in need. I think our job as visitors is to raise awareness about NOT OWNING a big cat unless you are thoroughly educated on caring for them and understand everything about them. I wish there was a mandated audit or monthly visit that had to be done on each person that owned them (maybe there are restrictions that I am unaware of). Anyway, God bless those who care for these animals and do what you can to help this place stay open.

I took the extended family for the first time today. It was great. Even the 15 year old liked to see the big cats. We heard a keeper talk and went on the tour. The staff is very knowledge and is obviously devoted to the cats. I purchased a season pass so I could go back again when it is warmer. I did like the activity of the cats at feeding time, but found them enjoyable all day long. A recommendation for a fun outing for the whole family.

Went 10 years ago and then again today. What a difference. This is a beautiful place to visit and see these wonderful animals up close. Feeding time was especially enjoyable. I would recommend this for anyone who loves animals!

Husband and I went to Eureka Springs for our 25th wedding anniversary and decided to go see the beautiful animals. I must say I was really impressed, the staff was friendly and even though the animals were not real active, they were out laying where we could see them. It was a great experience and I would love to go again. I'm glad to see there is a place for these beautiful animals to go.

My family and I started going to the refuge about 5 or 6 years ago. we love it and have made many trips. We were the last time for the Indian Pow Wow in 2008. It really opens your eyes to why you should not try to raise these beautiful animals as pets because it the end they are the ones that suffer. They are wonderful with the animals. We learn something new everytime we go. We are going back in about a week to the Kite Fest in March and cant wait. There are a lot of new cats that we havent seen, but we sure are going to miss Kenny!!! We are spending the night there and listening to the cats at night is awsome!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!

This place was amazing!! We went to Eureka for our wedding/honeymoon..This is one of the best places we toured!! Can't wait to go again

This place is AMAZING!!! We spent 6 hours here touring and walking the grounds. You can even adopt an animal which I would recommend to everyone who can afford it!!! It is only $100.00 The people who work here have the biggest hearts..the interns are amazing and basically work for 83 cents a day! SOOOO worth the trip if you love big cats...small cats...monkeys or even a badger! Bring a picnic and eat with the tigers and the parrots! You can even get a graet picture while you are there and the money goes staright to the animals! ALL OF THE MONEY GOESS TO HELP THESE BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS!!!! This is by far the best place to go in Eureka!!! Our boys wandered around the grounds for all 6 hours and then they still didn't want to leave. They are ages 13-6 years!! My hubby and I fell in love with Colby the tiger! Go see him..you will too!

The Wildlife Refuge was amazing with all the care & attention the compassionate people choose to give to these beautiful animals. I thank God for this place & the way it has been set up for the good of the animals. All I can say is my most sincere "THANK YOU" too all involved in starting & continuing Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Anyone who visits there should leave with a wanting to do something attitude. There will be more visits & donations from several in our group who was there on Saturday. Since most of the animals were previously "pets", the public could be of more help to this organization with more fund raisers. And to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, all I can say is, keep up the good work. You have a wonderful home for all the beautiful animals you are so kind to take in. Thank you, again.