Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

January 31, 2018, (Eureka Springs, AR) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) as of December 26, 2017.

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means that TCWR meets the criteria of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Accreditation status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards and also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The accreditation status provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize TCWR as an exceptional sanctuary.

“We are proud to announce the recent Accreditation of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge” said Jeanne Marie Pittman, GFAS Program Director for North, South and Central America. “The commitment and dedication of Turpentine Creek’s staff and management is truly inspiring.” TCWR provides life-time care for over 100 previous mistreated or unwanted animals, including lions, tigers, bears, pumas, leopards and numerous small cats. “Going through the accreditation process with GFAS has helped our organization to be recognized as a true sanctuary that is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of animal care and safety,” says Tanya Smith, the Executive Director of TCWR. “We are excited to bring attention to the growing issues of big cats in captivity and private ownership.”

TCWR is dedicated to not only saving the lives of big cats and other exotic animals in need but also helping to educate the public about the plight of big cats in captivity. Throughout their 25-year history, they have saved the lives of over 500 animals. Rescues have ranged from single animal rescues to large rehoming projects where over 115 animals were relocated to 15 sanctuaries throughout the U.S. with TCWR heading up the project. Beyond performing rescues and caring for the animals that call the refuge home, TCWR also dedicates themselves to helping to educate the next generation of animal keepers with their post-graduate biannual internship program. Over 400 interns have passed through the program and are now Zookeepers and veterinarians all over the globe.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Founded in 1992, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating one of America’s largest big cat sanctuaries. Turpentine Creek does not buy, sell, trade, or breed our animals. They are a hands off facility and do not allow contact with the animals in their care. They are accredited with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, a member of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, a member of Tigers in America, USDA Licensed and Arkansas Game and Fish Licensed.

Their Mission is to provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected “Big Cats” with emphasis on Tigers, Lions, Leopards, and Cougars.

Additional Information Sources & Photos

http://www.TurpentineCreek.org

https://www.facebook.com/TurpentineCreekWildlifeRefuge/photos_stream

Download press release here.