Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has rescued over 500 animals since it began. Most of the animals that end up calling TCWR home already have names when they arrive. That’s a whole lot of different names! Let’s talk about a few of the more uniquely named animals from TCWR’s past and learn about their stories.
Grumpet
Grumpet was a female tiger born in 1996. She was rescued from Mountainburg, Arkansas along with 27 other animals. The Mountainburg facility was owned by a tiger breeder who had retired due to failing health. Over the course of 5 months and 15 trips to the dilapidated and neglected facility, the animals made their way to TCWR. In order to accommodate these animals, TCWR built 20 habitats in a secluded area of the refuge, now called Rescue Ridge. After several happy years at TCWR, where she was able to live in pristine conditions, nap the day aways, and play with enrichment, she passed away on December 15, 2017.
Big Nasty
Big Nasty was a male tiger born in 1998. He was rescued from the same Mountainburg facility as Grumpet. Big Nasty was a very large tiger. During his rescue, the TCWR team needed to take three different breaks in order to catch their breaths before resuming carrying the sedated tiger to the rescue trailer. Once he arrived at TCWR, he was able to relax until he passed away on June 6, 2017.
Pretzel
Pretzel was a female tiger who was born in 1990 and was rescued from Wichita, Kansas on May 24, 1999. Pretzel’s owners had lent her to a zoo for breeding because she had given birth to white cubs before. The zoo was hopeful she would produce white cubs again. Upon being returned to her owners, it was apparent she had become quite aggressive and could no longer be handled. Pretzel’s options were to be euthanized or head to TCWR. Once rescued, it took Pretzel quite some time to adjust to her new home. Her aggressive ways continued for a while but eventually she settled down and became much more comfortable. She lived a great life at TCWR and w passed away on November 11, 2007.
It should be noted that today’s ethical facilities will not breed for white tigers. White tigers serve no conservation purpose and are a product of inbreeding in captivity.
Goober
Goober was a fiercely loved male rhesus macaque. The story of his life before rescue is a sad one, but one that ended with a happy and enriching life at TCWR. Goober was born on October in 1986. He was then purchased by a couple from Del City, Oklahoma. Goober liked the woman but was not a fan of the man, and one day Goober bit him. The man threw Goober into a wall. After this incident, he went to a baboon rescue. However, this facility was not meant for a smaller monkey like Goober, and he kept escaping! During one of his escape attempts, he bit a woman. Unfortunately, this led to Goober’s canines being removed.
Finally, TCWR was asked to take him instead. Once Goober made it to TCWR on March 19, 1993, he had a second chance at life. He had a heated building, a habitat with many things to climb on, and make perches for him to survey the area around him. He was particular about the staff and interns he decided to like, but he stole the hearts of everyone that met him. The day after his 34th birthday, Goober passed away on October 20, 2020. To this day, guests ask about Goober and remember him fondly.
Spitty Smitty
Spitty Smitty, more commonly referred to as Smitty, was a male cougar born in 1985. He had a rough life before being rescued by TCWR. He is a well known cougar to those who work at TCWR due to his story. Spitty Smitty was rescued from Boone County on May 14, 1996. The cougar had been living in a 100 gallon oil drum placed in a shed with bales of hay piled around it. The oil drum was filled in a foot of his waste. He could not turn around or stand in this drum, and if he tried, the sharp edges of metal would cut his face. These horrible conditions are something no animal should have to endure.
Smitty came to TCWR where he was finally able to get the space he needed. However, Spitty Smitty enjoyed being a lone cougar and did not want to share his enclosure with any other animal. He earned his name from his tendency to spit at anyone who came toward him. It is common that severely abused animals hold a resentment to people for quite a while due to their past, and Spitty Smitty was no exception. Smitty eventually passed away on November 23, 2005. The oil drum he was rescued from now sits outside the entrance of TCWR, where guests can see.
Most of the animals Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge rescues come from horrible conditions and have a sad beginning. However, once they arrive at TCWR their happy ending begins. Due to the sheer number of animals TCWR has rescued in its time, there are also bound to be some animals with fairly unique names. To learn more about the uniquely named animals of TCWR, come and visit!
*Published by Danika Torgersen on 11/29/25*