Defending our mission: Tiger Creek's unwavering commitment to animal welfare

At Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary, our core values center on the wellbeing, safety, and respect for every animal under our care. This is why we were deeply troubled by misleading public statements from discontented former staff members and out-of-state animal rights groups who have never set foot on our property, yet chose to distort our work and circulate false narratives about our animal care standards.

These accusations, propagated through legal action and online campaigns by a California-based activist organization across various digital platforms, falsely claimed that Tiger Creek had abandoned its responsibility to safeguard endangered species. We stand resolutely behind our care standards and the dedicated team working under Executive Director Emily Brooks' leadership. We wish to use this moment to bring transparency and confidence to our supporters and the general public.

From our establishment, Tiger Creek has focused on saving large exotic cats throughout North America. By 2017, we broadened our scope to encompass all wild and exotic animals requiring sanctuary. These creatures frequently arrive from precarious circumstances: some are abandoned pets, others are circus retirees, while many represent zoo overflow. For countless animals, Tiger Creek represents their final opportunity for survival, rescuing them from certain death and providing a secure, caring environment.

Activist publications have presented numerous assertions that create a distorted representation of our facility and animal care standards. Here are the facts we want to share:

Truth and openness are fundamental: Honesty and transparency strengthen our dedication to ethical animal stewardship and responsible management.

Animal transfers follow proper protocols: Every transfer has been executed lawfully and in full compliance with state and federal regulations.

Veterinary excellence is paramount: Tiger Creek delivers prompt, suitable medical care. A previous error resulted in a USDA citation, which we immediately rectified through staff retraining and protocol enhancement. This single incident doesn't represent our comprehensive care standards.

Animal wellbeing drives our decisions: Our methods consistently meet or surpass Animal Welfare Act requirements. Through customized nutrition plans and enrichment activities, every animal receives individualized attention and respect. Our primates particularly benefit from enrichment programs created with expert and USDA guidance.

Compassionate final care: End-of-life choices are always veterinary-guided and focused on preventing animal suffering.

Meaningful enrichment, not spectacle: We refuse to force predatory displays, believing it cruel to subject live animals to such stress. Instead, we provide species-specific enrichment that offers mental and physical stimulation without causing harm.

Pandemic protection protocols: Throughout COVID-19, we implemented comprehensive safety measures for our animals. Consequently, no Tiger Creek residents have displayed COVID-19 symptoms.

We acknowledge our significant responsibility and understand that confidence must be cultivated. This drives our commitment to openness. We welcome visitors to explore our facility, engage with our work, and pose questions. We take pride in our accomplishments and the lives we've preserved.

False information not only damages our standing and our team's reputation but ultimately injures the very animals we've committed to protecting. When legitimate concerns arise, they should be addressed directly with us, allowing collaboration with our veterinary team, nutrition specialists, behavioral experts, and regulatory partners—rather than enduring extended legal battles founded on unfounded allegations from individuals who've never visited us or former employees dismissed for substandard performance.

We encourage those who support our cause to investigate thoroughly, ask meaningful questions, and support organizations dedicating themselves daily to animal rescue and rehabilitation.

We appreciate your ongoing support. United, we can guarantee these magnificent creatures receive the care and respect they merit.

Given specific allegations, we want to present complete narratives of the mentioned animals, shared from our viewpoint and rooted in compassion, veterinary expertise, and profound respect.

Coco the cougar

Coco, an aging male cougar who lived with us from 2014-2018, battled hereditary orthopedic problems. Throughout two years, five veterinary specialists, including an orthopedic expert, provided his care. Following numerous surgical interventions, his deteriorating condition led to humane euthanasia on July 8, 2018.

Amir and Greg - elderly tigers

Both Amir (approaching 20) and Greg (approaching 21) were senior tigers who had exceeded typical captive lifespans. Amir received ongoing treatment for chronic digestive problems before passing naturally in June 2018. Greg, diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, was compassionately euthanized in October 2018 as his condition deteriorated.

Kumari's battle

Kumari received treatment for reproductive complications in 2019. Following extensive diagnostics and conservative treatments, she required surgical hysterectomy. Unfortunately, she died during recovery from a probable blood clot.

Dakari's treatment and improvements

Dakari the serval experienced recurring digestive issues. In 2021, delayed veterinary consultation postponed escalated care. Once properly addressed through surgery, he unfortunately declined and died. We immediately retrained personnel and revised procedures to prevent recurrence.

Sierra - lifelong dedicated care

Sierra, a long-term tiger resident, received treatment for arthritis and kidney failure. When her condition deteriorated in 2021, she was humanely euthanized to end her suffering.

Nati's healing

In 2019, Nati developed a surface skin condition. She received immediate treatment and made a complete recovery. She continues thriving at Tiger Creek today.

Zuri - celebrity and fighter

Zuri achieved national recognition through Animal ER. With chronic pancreatitis diagnosis, she received consistent care until her passing in 2019.

Simba - unexpected tragedy

Simba, a healthy serval, died unexpectedly in 2019. Necropsy results showed rare digestive torsion that was unforeseeable and unavoidable.

Lexie - respiratory struggles

Lexie, an elderly tiger with asthma history, received immediate attention when symptoms emerged. Despite prompt intervention, her condition deteriorated, leading to euthanasia in 2018.

Tibor - final sanctuary

Tibor and Kiki, aged tigers rescued from a traveling circus, were found to have advanced kidney disease. While Kiki was immediately euthanized, Tibor received ongoing care until his decline and death in November 2017.

These narratives represent not neglect, but rather aging, illness, and compassionate terminal care. Each Tiger Creek animal receives individualized attention based on their unique requirements, personalities, and medical backgrounds. We collaborate with veterinarians, specialists, behaviorists, and nutritionists to deliver optimal available care.

Tiger Creek's mission stays constant: providing secure, loving, and responsible sanctuary for animals with no alternatives. We thank our supporters for their loyalty and for recognizing the commitment and professionalism that characterizes our sanctuary.