Two tigers are transferred from a facility in Missouri to find a new home at Turpentine Creek in northern Arkansas.

The full release from the wildlife refuge is below:

 Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) has welcomed two tigers, Sebastian and Shakira, to their forever home following the closure of Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary (CRTS) in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. The transfer took place Tuesday, October 7, ensuring both animals will continue to receive the highest standard of lifetime care at TCWR.
This marks the second time in two years that an accredited big cat sanctuary has chosen Turpentine Creek to provide safe, permanent placement for its animals. In 2023, the Refuge partnered with Big Cat Rescue to create Freedom Field, a new expansion designed to give rescued and rehomed big cats lifelong sanctuary.
“Sanctuaries face difficult realities when funding, leadership, or succession change,” said Tanya Smith, President and founder of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. “We are honored that once again, another respected facility placed their trust in us to carry forward their animals’ care. Every placement decision like this reaffirms our mission – to provide forever homes where animals’ futures are never in question.”
Both tigers arriving from Missouri have personal histories that intertwine with TCWR’s residents:
Sebastian was among the animals rescued during the 2021 federal operation at Tiger King Park in Thackerville, Oklahoma. He was originally placed at CRTS, while his suspected mate, Priscilla, came to TCWR. Shortly after arriving, Priscilla gave birth to three cubs – Rosie, DOJ, and Jinx – who are believed to be Sebastian’s offspring. Their inspiring early journey – from being born with club feet to learning to walk – is featured in the award-winning documentary Uncharted, available as a free digital download in the TCWR online store: shop.turpentinecreek.org/products/video.
Shakira, born in 2010, shares a special connection to TCWR through her sister, Jasmine II, who has called the Refuge home since 2018. The two were once housed together at Wright Park Zoo in Dodge City, Kansas, before being separated for placement at different sanctuaries.
“These are not just transfers – they are reunions of family lines and second chances at peace,” said Emily McCormack, Animal Curator at TCWR. “We’re thrilled to bring Sebastian and Shakira home, where their stories will continue alongside the cats they’re connected to.”
The two tigers will spend the coming days acclimating to their new habitats under the supervision of TCWR’s animal care and veterinary teams. Once settled, the Refuge will introduce them to the public through its education programs and digital storytelling efforts.
One tiger, Thor, will remain at CRTS to live out her remaining years in the care of her longtime caretakers. TCWR extends gratitude to those who have provided her with love and comfort, and wishes her peace in her familiar surroundings.