National Tiger Sanctuary on Standby to Help NW Arkansas Rescue

SADDLEBROOKE, Mo. -- An elderly woman who used to own a sanctuary in Arkansas is in the process of surrendering more than 30 tigers, cougars and leopards.

Seven are now at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Could some of those tigers find a home in southwest Missouri? Yes and no. Technically the National Tiger Sanctuary near Branson could house and help those big cats, but at this point none of them are on the way.

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However, last year the NTS did make a home for an Arkansas tiger named Richard.

"Last year we picked up Richard who had some physical problems from some surgery he had when he was young," says Judy McGee, founder of the National Tiger Sanctuary.

At nearly 15 years old, the White Tiger has lived a busy life. He was rescued from River Glen Tiger Sanctuary in Arkansas, the very same habitat the latest felines are being moved away from as their owner is battling health problems, leaving her unable to care for them.

"It's sad for the cats," adds McGee. "It's sad for the people, no doubt. But the things you have to do is put the priority on the cats."

The National Tiger Sanctuary in Saddlebrooke has reached out to River Glen, offering assistance.

"We're willing to help all that we can, weather it be to take any cat here, or to go there to help."

Right now, none is needed. But Judy McGee believes this is an opportunity to remind those that might think a tiger would make a good pet to think twice.

"I always ask people, 'Do you have a house cat?' Most of them will go, 'Yeah, I do.' See if you wake up someday and he weighs 600 pounds, do you think he might kill you? And a lot of them will say 'Yeah, I think he might.'"

As 30 tigers are searching for a new place to house their strips, Richard seems to be content in the Ozarks.

McGee says she and her husband were heavily involved in passing the Large Carnivore Bill in Missouri. It places restrictions on anyone wanting to own a tiger, lion, or other big cat.