We have another discussion about the Netflix documentary Tiger King with two experts who actually rescue big cats. We are joined by Emily McCormack and David Enden, and discussion about Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Both have a passion for helping many big cats, especially tigers, that are held as pets or are exploited. They bring a unique perspective on this latest documentary and give some incredible insight into the big cat trade industry. Again, another can’t miss interview.
Biography
If you are wondering if a wildlife rescue is a “real” rescue, a good place to start is to see if they are accredited. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Their website can be accessed HERE
Emily McCormack
Emily is the Curator for Turpentine Creek. Their website can be accessed HERE
Her biography reads:
Residing in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, since 1999, Emily is originally from Oswego, New York. Her childhood dream of working with tigers eventually led her to the State University of New York at Oswego where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology.
Her initial internship at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, commencing in January of 1999, fulfilled her final three credits before receiving her degree. Upon completing her six month internship, Emily was so highly regarded by the founding members of the rescue facility that she was hired on to become a permanent staff member. Her passion and commitment to the 100+ exotic cats at Turpentine Creek is extraordinary, and she quickly became a major force in improving the lives of these magnificent animals. Having excellent people skills in addition to her dedication to the animals, Emily was promoted to the position of Volunteer Coordinator/Intern Supervisor in 2002. Through her expertise and guidance, more than 300 college graduates have also graduated from the acclaimed Internship Program at Turpentine Creek.
While still retaining the responsibilities of Intern Supervisor, Emily was also promoted to the position of Curator in April of 2011.
David Enden
David’s TedTalk about big cats can be accessed HERE
His biography reads:
David was raised in New York and attended. Stony Brook University. His passion for conservation stemmed from spending his childhood rescuing injured wildlife with local rehabilitators and participating in shorelines conservation camps. As a scholastic wrestler, hard work and determination were ingrained into his personality at a very young age.
Achieving his Bachelor’s in Science and majoring in Conservation Biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. David spent his collegiate career working with indigenous cultures and New York species conservation research. He was an educator for the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force’s Environmental Youth Camp and participated in sustainable eco-tourism in Costa Rica. Working under a SUNY ESF PhD student, David was a field technician for scientific research increasing amphibian biodiversity in the New York State. He also conducted multiple independent research studies on insect reproduction and the effect of ecological engineering on plant species diversity
