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Written by Sark

The Wild Cat family includes cats such as tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, servals, lynxs, bobcats, and many more. The large cats...the lions and tigers are having a hard time surviving in the wild due to loss of habitat. As a student and a person concerned with saving endangered animals we must first become aware of the problem and then look for solutions. I have been fortunate to be part of a class at DePaul University that focuses on the plight of these animals. Dr. McWhinnie takes her students on an adventure of a life time. This begins with the class Exotic Cat Management. During this educational experience one learns about the many species of tigers of which only few remain. Students learn the differences in the lions, cheetahs, leopards, and many other cat species. Not only do we learn about habitat, social structure, prey, hunting style, special adaptations to survival, we learn about why they are endangered, what has caused their decrease presence in the wild, and what people are trying to do to preserve these beautiful creatures. But the learning has only started. The students pack their bags and head down to Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the experience of a lifetime. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a safe haven for abused, unwanted, and/or neglected great cats. Presently, they have over 90 lions, tigers, cougars and leopards. Students get hands on experience with working with the cats from feeding to observing social interactions with other cats and the people to pouncing and playing. Students choose an animal and study that animal's behavior over the two week period. We also get the opportunity to help in habitat enrichment. By far, one of the most rewarding parts of this experience is greeting and touching one of these amazing creatures. Where else do you get the opportunity to come up close to a 1,000 LB Siberian Tiger, or a 22 year old tiger that is 3/4's Sumatran (a very rare species of tiger) and that is not to mention the majestic African lion. Once completing the two weeks in Arkansas students return to DePaul and work on various projects. Students work on updating dental and medical records; they work on individual projects as well as group projects. But it does not end there. Many students continue their work with Turpentine Creek driving the almost 700 miles to help out in anyway possible. These cats are incredible and the people are always welcoming.