Not only do we learn about habitat, social structure, prey, hunting style, special adaptations to survival, we learn about why they are endangered, what has caused their decrease presence in the wild, and what people are trying to do to preserve these beautiful creatures. But the learning has only started. The students pack their bags and head down to Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the experience of a lifetime. Presently, they have over 90 lions, tigers, cougars and leopards. Students get hands on experience with working with the cats from feeding to observing social interactions with other cats and the people to pouncing and playing.
Students choose an animal and study that animal's behavior over the two week period.
We also get the opportunity to help in habitat enrichment. By far, one of the most rewarding parts of this experience is greeting and touching one of these amazing creatures. Once completing the two weeks in Arkansas students return to DePaul and work on various projects. But it does not end there. Many students continue their work with Turpentine Creek driving the almost 700 miles to help out in anyway possible.