The den and turn-outs are where most of our big cats are housed.

During the day, they take turns playing outside the compound. They have many things available to them while inside this turn-out area. They have their choice of playing in the man-made creek; playing with one of their many balls; playing a game of chase with each other; all-out running by themselves; or simply relaxing in the shade. EARS feels very strongly about a large cat's need for fresh air and exercise.

The compound is where the animals are fed and groomed, and this is also where they spend their evenings. The compound is made up of many 'dens,' with each den able to hold up to two tigers. The dens are equipped with a shade table, tubs, and water for the big cats to drink.

These compounds are cleaned daily by the EARS staff. In many cases, these dens may be cleaned more than once a day, depending on circumstances. Cleaning includes: washing the ground; bleaching the ground; spraying disinfectants; washing the water tubs; and cleaning out and refilling the watering bowls. It takes a lot of time and effort to keep the facility neat and clean. This takes place while the animals are in their turn-outs.

The photograph to the left:A cool drink of water is very refreshing, after chasing a ball in the turn-out area. Playing ball is one of their favorite exercises

The photograph to the right:Tom Quinn and Judy are two examples of how love and affection from the workers really reflect on the animals' personalities. Here, Tom licks Judy, while laying in one of the turn-outs.