Turpentine Creek Refuge in Eureka Springs — Live Webcam Online
History of Turpentine Creek Refuge: From Bama the Lion Cub to the Largest Sanctuary in the US
In the Ozark Mountains of northwestern Arkansas lies one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the country. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit organization licensed by the USDA. But the story of this place began even earlier — in 1978, Don and Hilda Jackson, inspired by a lion cub named Bama received as payment for a debt, started what would become their life's work. In 1992, Tanya Smith officially founded the refuge, which today is home to more than 100 rescued animals.
The refuge's mission is to provide a lifelong haven for survivors of the exotic animal trade, allowing them to live without fear, cruelty, or abandonment. This is a place where every tiger, lion, and leopard has been given a second chance. The refuge is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and recognized as one of the top family attractions in Northwest Arkansas.
Tigers Jinx, Rosie, and DOJ: The Story of Three Cubs from Tiger King Park
On May 20, 2021, a significant event took place at Turpentine Creek Refuge — three tiger cubs were born: a male named Jinx, a female named Rosie, and a male named DOJ. Their mother — a tigress named Priscilla — arrived from the infamous Tiger King Park in Tackerville, Oklahoma, during a federal operation in 2021. These cubs became part of a large-scale animal rescue from the park, which was closed following investigations.
The tiger cubs grew up in the refuge and became some of its most well-known residents. Today, they can be watched through an online camera that broadcasts the lives of these majestic animals in real time. Jinx, Rosie, and DOJ are not just tigers — they are symbols of the fight against the illegal exotic animal trade.
Eureka Springs: A Ghost Town That Became a Home for Wildlife
Eureka Springs is a small town in Arkansas known for its Victorian architecture, winding streets, and healing springs. But few people know that it is here, atop a forested mountain in the Ozarks, that Turpentine Creek Refuge is located. The refuge's address: 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, coordinates: 36.309905, -93.755621.
The refuge ranks among the top ten attractions in Arkansas and is the most popular site in Eureka Springs. The town itself attracts tourists with its atmosphere, but it is Turpentine Creek that makes it a truly unique place where people can connect with wildlife.
Refuge Territory: 459 Acres for Rescued Animals
The refuge occupies 459 acres (186 ha) in the Ozark Mountains and is home to 100 or more animals. Tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars live here, as well as 6 black bears and hyenas, including a hyena named Rambo.
Early in its history, the refuge was expanded after rescuing 42 big cats locked in abandoned railroad cars by a criminal named Catherine Theiss. The animals were transported to a ranch in the Ozarks, and since then the territory has been continuously developed. The original refuge area ("Compound") with small cages and concrete floors was emptied and replaced with grassland habitats ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 acre for the animals.
How the Refuge Works: 27 Natural Habitats
The refuge is open to visitors daily at 9:00 AM (except Christmas). It's a walking facility where you can observe animals in 27 natural habitats. Each enclosure is designed to recreate the natural environment of its residents as closely as possible.
For those who want to extend their experience, the refuge offers overnight lodging. Guests can listen to the lions "singing" to each other at night — an unforgettable experience. And for those who can't visit in person, there's a live webcam that allows you to watch the animals from anywhere in the world.
Rescue from Tiger King Park: A New Chapter in the Refuge's History
In 2021, the refuge received tigers from the infamous Tiger King Park in Oklahoma after the park's closure. Among the rescued animals were "stowaways" — tigers that arrived with the tigress Priscilla. These animals became part of a large-scale federal operation aimed at ending the illegal keeping of exotic animals.
Turpentine Creek Refuge became a true home for them — a place where they can live with dignity, without fear and cruelty. Tigers Jinx, Rosie, and DOJ were born here, in safety, and now their lives can be watched via the online camera.
What You Can See on the Camera
The camera at Turpentine Creek Refuge is aimed at the territory where tigers Jinx, Rosie, and DOJ live. In the foreground, you can see a young tiger lying in the tall grass. The animal is resting in an open grassy area — one of the refuge's 27 natural habitats. The broadcast shows the tigers' behavior in conditions as close to their natural environment as possible.
The live webcam allows you to observe the lives of these majestic animals in real time. You can see the tigers resting, playing, exploring their territory, or simply basking in the sun. It's a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife without leaving your home. The camera broadcasts live, and every moment captures the real behavior of real tigers — rescued from cruelty and found a home at Turpentine Creek Refuge in Eureka Springs.
