Caretaker killed by tiger at Oklahoma wildlife preserve
Ryan Easley died in an accident at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo; tours canceled as staff mourn.
A caretaker at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in southeastern Oklahoma was killed Saturday in an incident involving a tiger under his care, the facility said Sunday.
The preserve, a private facility near Hugo, Okla., said Ryan Easley died Saturday in an "an accident" involving a tiger at the property near Hugo, not far from the Texas border. The organization described the incident as a tragedy and said tours have been canceled until further notice.
"This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world," the preserve wrote on its Facebook page. "Ryan understood those risks — not out of recklessness but out of love. The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with — one rooted in respect, daily care and love."
The post highlighted Easley’s role as an animal handler and emphasized that the animals under his care were treated with daily care and a deep connection rather than mere supervision. The statement framed Easley’s work as a vocation rooted in respect and affection for the animals, underscoring the personal bonds that staff members often describe with big cats in private care facilities.
Growler Pines Tiger Preserve is a private attraction where visitors can book tours to view tigers and see demonstrations on how the animals are trained and cared for, according to the facility’s website. The incident raises questions about safety protocols at private big-cat facilities, though officials have not released additional details about what led to the accident.
The Associated Press reported Sunday that the preserve released the statements regarding Easley’s death, and that the incident occurred on Saturday at the property near Hugo, a small city near the Texas border. The preserve did not provide additional information about the tiger involved or the circumstances beyond confirming the accidental death and the temporary suspension of tours.
Hugo is located in a region with several private wildlife facilities that operate as educational attractions, offering close encounters and demonstrations with big cats. Authorities did not publicly outline any immediate investigations or charges related to this incident in the initial statements issued by Growler Pines Tiger Preserve, and no other individuals were reported injured.
As the community processes the loss of a staff member described by the facility as deeply dedicated to animal welfare, visitors planning to tour the preserve should monitor the organization’s official channels for updates on tours and safety procedures. The preserve’s leadership indicated that it would share further information as it becomes available, and that its top priority remains the welfare of the animals in its care and the safety of staff and guests.
In the wake of the tragedy, researchers and animal-care professionals reiterate the importance of strict safety protocols at facilities housing large predators. While private tiger preserves can provide educational opportunities, they also face scrutiny regarding enclosure design, veterinary support, and staff training. The incident at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve serves as a reminder of the risks involved in working with powerful wildlife and the ongoing need for rigorous safety standards across similar facilities.