Zuri, a white tiger rescued from the captive wildlife trade, arrived safely at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge on July 8 after a collaborative rescue effort with Oakland Zoo. She is now settling into her new habitat, where she will receive lifelong care from the refuge’s veterinary and animal care teams.
Zuri is connected to the same California restricted-species case that brought eight rescued big cats to Turpentine Creek in 2025. While the other cats were transported to the refuge last year, Zuri remained in temporary care until a permanent placement could be arranged.
Her arrival highlights the ongoing collaboration between accredited wildlife sanctuaries and zoological institutions that work together to rescue animals in need. By sharing veterinary expertise, transportation resources and available habitat, organizations like Turpentine Creek and Oakland Zoo can provide permanent homes for rescued wildlife.
“Every rescue reminds us that protecting captive wildlife is truly a team effort,” said Tanya Smith, founder and president of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. “Accredited sanctuaries and zoos each bring unique strengths to these rescues, and together we’re able to accomplish far more than any one organization could alone. We’re grateful to Oakland Zoo for their partnership and honored that Zuri’s journey has led her to Turpentine Creek.”
Over the coming weeks, Zuri will be given time to adjust to her new surroundings before undergoing a comprehensive veterinary examination. Animal care staff are already aware that she has vision impairment and some muscle atrophy. After the evaluation, the refuge will create an individualized medical and husbandry plan designed to support her long-term health, mobility and overall well-being.
Like the other rescued animals that call Turpentine Creek home, Zuri will receive species-appropriate nutrition, an enriching habitat, expert veterinary care and individualized attention for the rest of her life. Visitors may begin seeing her explore her new habitat in the coming weeks as she acclimates at her own pace.
“For Zuri, the rescue didn’t end when the transport trailer arrived,” Smith added. “That’s where her new life begins. After years of uncertainty, she finally has what every rescued animal deserves—a safe, permanent home where she can simply be a tiger.”
To learn more about Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, support future rescues, or plan a visit, visit www.tcwr.org.
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