Tiger Queens features an in-depth discussion among incredible women who have dedicated their lives and livelihoods to operating legitimate, fully accredited sanctuaries that provide lifetime care to rescued tigers, lions, leopards and other wild felids that have been saved from cruel conditions. Moderated by Emily McCormack, a BCSA leader and animal care expert at Arkansas’ Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), Tiger Queens allows viewers to listen in on a candid discussion about the extraordinary commitment required to lead a true sanctuary and the steps that we can all take to help combat the exploitation of big cats in the U.S. The “queens”—who operate sanctuaries in different states and at different scales—share an unwavering commitment to animal welfare. They include Tanya Smith (Cofounder & President at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas), Bobbi Brink (Founder & Director at Lions Tigers and Bears in California); Lisa Stoner (Cofounder at Forest Animal Rescue in Florida), and Tammy Thies (Founder & Executive Director at The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota). 

We lost our beloved Zoey today to age-related disease. She came to us in 2016 at the age of 17. We only had her with us for three years, but it was long enough to see her thrive in our care.

Zoey was rescued from a horrible situation in Colorado where big cats and bears were bred repeatedly to produce cubs. the cubs were used for photo opportunities and ‘cub petting’ until they grew too large to handle; then the cubs were sent out back to languish in tiny cages until they were old enough to breed.

Fortunately, in 2016, she and over a hundred other animals broke free of that torment. They were rescued by a network of true sanctuaries across the United States. Zoey and five other animals came to Forest Animal Rescue.

For the first time, Zoey was able to run and play in a large, forested habitat. She loved her new home and was a beautiful, happy tigress with constant friendly “chuffs’ for her caregivers.

Sadly, her advanced age began to show recently. She took a rapid turn for the worse, and it was evident that, no matter what we tried to do for her, it was her time to go.

We only had a short time with Zoey, but we are happy to have had the opportunity to care for her and to show her how life at a true sanctuary can be.

The animals have all of our friends to thank for the opportunity to live their lives in peaceful sanctuary.

We would like to thank you for your ongoing support and wish you a wonderful holiday season surrounded by those you love.

Please check back for more photos and videos as we compile them – all of the animals enjoyed their Christmas presents!