Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Fundraiser supports bear necessitie­s

Cats at the Castle

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Huggy, a Russian grizzly bear, Lolly and Holly and other black bears soon will have new accommodat­ions at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge near Eureka Springs. Proceeds from the annual “Cats at the Castle” benefit Saturday will help the nonprofit organizati­on make dedicated habitats for the baker’s dozen of bears.

The nonprofit organizati­on’s mission is to “provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused and neglected big cats, with emphasis on tigers, lions, leopards and cougars,” that make up 90 percent of the sanctuary’s population. Lisa Brinker, communicat­ions director, said the bears and other animals at Turpentine Creek are “typically part of a cat rescue.” She said the group doesn’t “leave anyone behind” in a rescue situation.

The sanctuary has nearly 60 natural habitats on 450 acres for its more than 100 animal residents. The bears’ new habits will What: Heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live and silent auctions, live music

When: 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday

Where: Castle Rogue’s Manor in Beaver

Tickets: Sold out

Informatio­n: (479) 253-5841, turpentine­creek.org

be “natural and include pools,” Brinker said. The project is expected to cost $150,000.

Brinker said the sanctuary added new residents last September as part of the Colorado Project that involved rescuing 34 animals from a facility in Colorado that had 110 animals. The remainder went to 14 other sanctuarie­s around the country.

The fundraisin­g event will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres from Chef Victor Smith of Catering Creations, a full bar, open seating

indoors and outside, silent and live auctions and live music.

Turpentine Creek is open for public tours every day of the year,

with the exception of Christmas day.

 ?? NWA Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER ?? Huggy, a Russian brown bear, rests in his enclosure last month at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs. Huggy was one of the five bears rescued last year from a failing zoo in Colorado. The “Cats at the Castle” benefit Saturday will help...
NWA Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER Huggy, a Russian brown bear, rests in his enclosure last month at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs. Huggy was one of the five bears rescued last year from a failing zoo in Colorado. The “Cats at the Castle” benefit Saturday will help...

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