If you have gotten the chance to stay the night with us in the Bengal Suite, Siberian Suite, or the Treehouse, you might have gotten a funny feeling that there is something watching you. You’re probably right! With cats all around, they can see you most of the time before you see them!
One cat that lives around the lodges is Mauri, a female African Lion. Mauri was rescued from Indiana back in September of 2020 along with 8 other cats. We were able to rescue a total of 4 lions and 4 tigers from this facility. The man who owned Mauri was also associated with and on the show Tiger King.
Now Mauri lives with Chief. Sadly these two were not able to get along too well after reintroduction. Mauri is a feisty 6 year old while Chief is a stubborn 16 year old. After Mauri was just a tad too aggressive for Chief’s liking, they now switch back and forth every other day sharing their grassy habitat.
Mauri loves watching anybody and everybody she can. She is a bit curious. She also loves to “play” with her keepers. When I say “play”, I don’t mean they are going in the habitat with her! We are a hands-off facility, never touching these animals or going in there with them. Instead, our keepers will run the fence line with Mauri back and forth. She will chase them up and down the fence line. Good thing that fence is there!
Next time you come and visit us at the refuge, see if you can spot Mauri because she probably spotted you first!
*We do ask that if you’re ever visiting here at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to not run the fence line with the animals. Certain animals will become more stressed out than others, but also the staff here does know exactly when to stop running that way the animal doesn’t run into the fence and hurt itself.