"Jungle Jack" Hanna Provides Guidance & Support for Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Tiger Rescue Effort

Online, February 11, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) board of director members, Bill Plummer and Eric Studer, recently visited "Jungle" Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, for input on their initiative to relocate more than 30 big cats to the Eureka Springs refuge.

Hanna and Columbus Zoo staff experts shared insights and suggestions on key issues, including community fundraising, habitat construction, and soliciting corporate sponsorships. The Columbus Zoo team also provided an overview of new laws for private ownership of dangerous/endangered wildlife and its long-term impact on non-profit refuges and sanctuaries.

TCWR recently reached the mid-point in orchestrating the relocation of 34 big cats from the Riverglen Refuge in Mountainburg, Arkansas, the largest wildlife rescue operation in the US. Additional funding is being sought to build new habitats for the remaining tigers.

Hanna stated, "Saving 34 big cats is a monumental task. It takes a lot of money to build large natural habitats for lifetime homes that Turpentine Creek is able to provide. The staff and interns at TCWR have done an excellent job so far - now they need community and corporate financial support to bring this to a successful conclusion. Both large and small companies around the world have achieved very successful marketing and PR results through financial support of zoo's and non-profit wildlife sanctuaries like Turpentine Creek, so I'm confident they will meet their fundraising goal."

"I applaud their staff and supporters for all they've accomplished in such a short period of time. I hope to visit the refuge soon to see their results," added Hanna.

"Jack and the zoo staff provided excellent insight and advice on our efforts to save these endangered animals. We learned a great deal and made excellent contacts that will help our ongoing efforts to preserve wildlife for future generations," said Eric Studer, TCWR board member. "I've known Jack 25 years, so I was not surprised by his personal contribution for our rescue operation. We are looking forward to seeing him in NW Arkansas during his appearance at the Walton Arts Center on May 3," added Studer.

The refuge needs to raise an additional $100,000 to finalize habitat construction for the remaining Riverglen tigers. For rescue updates, donation information, and corporate sponsorship details, visit www.turpentinecreek.org or call 479-253-5841.

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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating one of America's largest big cat refuges in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The 450-acre refuge is home to over 120 big cats and other wildlife, open everyday, and rated one of Arkansas' Top 10 Attractions.

Jack Hanna
Animal expert Jungle Jack Hanna's hands-on approach has won him widespread acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer. Recognized around the country as America's favorite zookeeper, Jack has made countless television appearances on Good Morning America and the Late Show with David Letterman. He is the host of TV's Jack Hanna's Into the Wild, and Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown. For more information, visit www.jackhanna.com

Additional Information Sources
http://www.turpentinecreek.org/index.php/news-desk/animal-rescues/rts-rescue
https://www.facebook.com/TurpentineCreekWildlifeRefuge?ref=ts&fref=ts

Press Contacts
Eric Studer - [email protected] (214) 676-3860
Tanya Smith - [email protected] (479) 253-5841