Searching for the Elusive White Squirrel
By Dani Halliday
THE HIGHWAY 64 PROJECT
Touring Carolina Tiger Rescue
Reporters: Maddy Donner and Audrey Nott
On Sunday, November 2nd, four members of the Highway 64 team had the opportunity to visit and tour the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro, NC. The Carolina Tiger Rescue is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to providing a safe home to wild cats that have been rescued from unethical or unsuitable conditions. They take in as many animals as they can responsibly care for, especially those that have been abandoned, neglected, or mistreated.
The sanctuary is home to various diverse species, including tigers, cougars, servals, caracals, bobcats, and lions. They educate the public about the story of each animal and prominent environmental justice issues, such as wildlife exploitation. Through guided tours, community events, and their social media presence, Carolina Tiger Rescue is outspoken about the dangers of the private pet trade and roadside zoos. They also assist legislators in pursuing policies that ensure public safety and animal welfare within their sanctuary and beyond.
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Tiger rescued from the Tiger King park at the NC Tiger Rescue 2025
The passion and dedication of the staff and volunteers were strongly evident throughout our visit. The Carolina Tiger Rescue tour guides highlighted the main goal of the organization, which is for the organization itself to no longer be needed. The rescue is working with a long-term hope that in the future, there will be no more abandoned or confiscated animals. This reflects their deep commitment to advocacy. Even after just spending a few hours at this sanctuary on this tour, their work and commitment left a lasting impression on our team.
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The Carolina Tiger Rescue is in the process of embarking on its biggest international rescue to date: five tigers and three lions from Honduras. These animals are coming from a privately owned facility on the Honduran island called Little French Key. This mission is in partnership with the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Carolina Tiger Rescue is fundraising for $100,000 to fund custom crates, safe flights, and the promise of lifelong care for these animals. Currently, the rescue has reached almost $75,000. This non-profit needs all the support it can get to give these five tigers and other wildlife the safe future they deserve. From logistics to lifelong care, this rescue mission will not be possible without donations and the support of locals who care about animal rights.
White Tiger named Shayla at the NC Tiger Rescue 2025
There are several ways to get involved with the Carolina Tiger Rescue, whether through volunteering, donating, or even just recommending a tour to a friend. Our tour guide shared that one of their biggest challenges is visibility. Many people are not aware of the rescue or do not understand the work that they do. By spreading the work, goals, and achievements of this non-profit's mission, we are able to make a real difference in the lives of these animals.
In terms of donations, 100% of contributions go towards rescue efforts, animal care, and educational programming. They accept both monetary donations and in-kind items, such as food for the animals. One unique donation need that we learned about is perfume. The animals love different types of scents on their food and toys, and perfume gives them a fun enrichment activity.
The Carolina Tiger Rescue offers a donation program where you can “adopt” an animal at the rescue and annually commit to donating for the lifespan of that animal. In return, you can visit and interact safely with your adopted animal. It's a meaningful way to create a personalized connection with one of the animals at the rescue and support the long-term mission of the Carolina Tiger Rescue.
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Cougar at the NC Tiger Rescue 2025
If you’re looking to volunteer, there are countless opportunities at the rescue for individuals, groups, or organizations. The Carolina Tiger Rescue has individual volunteer opportunities, group and workplace volunteer opportunities, alternative service breaks, court-appointed community service, and even summer internship opportunities. If you want to go a step further and double your impact, consider applying for a volunteer grant. Many companies offer volunteer grants, in which your employer may donate to the rescue when you spend time volunteering at the rescue.
The Carolina Tiger Rescue thrives through community support as well as the time, energy, and resources people can generously give. By simply attending a guided tour, sharing their mission, donating a needed item, or volunteering your time, you’ll become part of their mission to give animals the healthy and secure lives that they deserve. If you are looking for ways to make a meaningful difference, Carolina Tiger Rescue offers numerous ways to connect, contribute, and support their cause. The future of these animals depends on people who care… people like you.