Remembering Tin Cup: A Life Filled with Love and Safety

This week, we said goodbye to one of the most beautiful souls to ever call Tiger

Creek Animal Sanctuary home. Tin Cup, our handsome cougar whose striking eyes and gentle heart touched everyone who knew him will be sorely missed.

Tin Cup as a kitten

Tin Cup’s story began in New Mexico, where fate led a small, fragile cub to the

doorstep of a family after their dogs discovered him alone. A search ensued for his

mother’s den, but she was never found. At that time, New Mexico had no rehabilitate-and-release program for large carnivores, and without help, his future would have been uncertain. That’s when Tiger Creek stepped in. When he arrived, he was so tiny that he could fit inside a tin cup. Just like that, his name found him. From that day forward, Tin Cup was surrounded by care, safety, and love.

Over the years, that tiny cub grew into a stunning, powerful cougar. Tin Cup was

strong, graceful, and endlessly curious. He had a special fondness for anything round, especially pumpkins. Every fall he could be found proudly carrying his pumpkin enrichment around his yard until he eventually cracked it open. On his birthday he would often enjoy a pinata. He would chase and bat it around until he was completely satisfied that it was adequately destroyed. His playful energy never failed to bring a smile to his caretakers’ faces.

Tin Cup's love of pumpkins (and watermelons!) was well known

On sunny afternoons, he could often be found stretched out in his hammock,

basking in the warmth of the day, his beautiful eyes half closed in complete contentment. In the quiet of the morning, he would approach the edge of his habitat, purring softly. Those early morning sounds melted hearts and reminded us just how special he was.

Tin Cup lived nearly eighteen wonderful years which is a long, full life for a cougar in

human care. In that time, he came to know what true safety, compassion, and dignity

felt like. His journey was a living reminder of what our mission stands for: to provide a

safe and secure environment for animals in need of rescue or rehabilitation while

conserving endangered and threatened species.

Tin Cup loved shredding anything he could, especially toilet paper rolls

Tin Cup’s story is one of hope. He is proof that even when an animal’s beginning

is uncertain, their life can still be filled with peace, play, and love when given the

chance. Run free, sweet Tin Cup. You will forever be remembered for your gentle spirit, your playful heart, and those incredible eyes that captured everyone who met you.