13-03-2025
Wildlife refuge reveals details about rescued tiger
EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. — Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) has revealed details about a rescued tiger, previously kept undisclosed due to a federal case.
Keidrick Damond Usifo and Deon Johnson were found guilty of violating the Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA).
Usifo, 30, of Conway, was sentenced to five years' probation and a $5,000 fine, while Johnson, 29, of Little Rock, received 18 months' probation and a $1,000 fine for one count of misprision of a felony.
According to a press release, Usifo attempted to purchase a tiger cub from an out-of-state seller. Johnson assisted in hiding the transaction. Both men pled guilty on October 22, 2024.
Fred, then a tiger cub, was rescued from an illegal wildlife trade in April of 2023. Now an adult tiger, Fred has adapted to his home. He enjoys playing with enrichment toys, lounging in the sun, and exploring his habitat—behaviors that were denied to him in his previous life.
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