Coffee with the Curator

Set in the rolling hills of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge offers one of the region’s most intimate wildlife experiences with its "Coffee with the Curator" tour. This isn't your typical stroll through a sanctuary—it's a carefully curated, behind-the-scenes journey into the lives of big cats rescued from the exotic pet trade. Guests meet the curator or assistant curator over morning coffee and light breakfast, setting the stage for a deep dive into the history and challenges of protecting these majestic animals.

The refuge spans a diverse landscape of wooded acres and open fields designed for animal comfort and rehabilitation. What truly sets this tour apart is access to spaces usually off-limits to the public—Rescue Ridge, the veterinary hospital equipped for complex care, animal diet commissary, and the newly expanded Freedom Field. Traveling by SUV or transit van, visitors gain an up-close perspective on the extensive care and conservation work conducted daily.

Turpentine Creek stands out in the region not only for its commitment to big cat rescue but also for fostering education about the exotic pet trade and captive wildlife ethics. Founded to provide lifelong refuge for lions, tigers, cougars, and other big cats, the sanctuary also anchors itself in the local outdoor and wildlife community, enriching visitor understanding of animal welfare. For outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers alike, this three-hour, small-group experience offers a rare glimpse into the sanctuary’s core operations and animal lives beyond the public eye.

It balances informative presentation with on-the-ground insight, making it both an educational and immersive wildlife adventure in Northwest Arkansas.