Tiger handler killed by tiger at Joe Exotic-linked Oklahoma wildlife preserve

A former colleague of Joe Exotic was fatally mauled by a tiger at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma, on Saturday afternoon. Ryan Easley, 37, was inside a cage with the big cat during a live show when the animal attacked toward the end of the performance, witnesses said. Easley was the owner of Growler Pines, a wildlife operation licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The incident occurred as a spectator crowd, including Easley’s wife and daughter, watched from stands at the rural venue.

The attack happened around 2 p.m. according to authorities, with Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park telling ABC News that Easley had the tiger for “quite some time.” The animal bit him around the neck and shoulder, killing him almost instantly. The sheriff said the tragedy unfolded toward the show’s end, and Easley’s wife, Elaine, rushed into the cage and removed the animal. The encounter left Easley dead at the scene as emergency crews responded to the preserve.

Authorities said autopsy results will be conducted by the state medical examiner’s office in Tulsa to determine the exact cause and manner of death. The USDA is conducting its own investigation into the incident as part of its licensing oversight for federally regulated facilities, the agency said. The agency did not immediately release a timeline for findings.

Joseph Maldonado, better known as Joe Exotic from the Netflix series Tiger King, acknowledged Easley’s death in a social media post that has since been removed. In the note, Maldonado offered prayers for Easley’s family and described him as someone who took great care of his animals and loved his tigers and elephants. Maldonado is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence on wildlife-crimes charges, as well as a high-profile murder-for-hire case tied to a rival activist, Carole Baskin. His spokesman or representatives did not provide comment beyond the earlier post, which was later deleted.

PETA, the animal-rights group, issued a statement in response to the tragedy that raised concerns about Easley’s practices. The group said Easley had acquired tigers from Joe Exotic and from Bhagavan “Doc” Antle for his business and accused him of exploiting the animals for performances. PETA described Easley’s operation as one that kept tigers in cramped cages and subjected them to travel and forced performances, and called on roadside-zoo exhibitors to cease such activities and transfer animals to accredited sanctuaries. The group noted that the allegations about training methods included claims of harsh treatment, though the ongoing investigation will determine the facts.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve’s own statements described Easley as a passionate wildlife advocate whose dedication to animals and family stood out. The preserve’s Facebook page praised Easley’s commitment and said his love for his family shone above all else, while a GoFundMe page created to support his family has raised more than $15,000 of a $20,000 goal as of Monday.

The incident has prompted questions about safety standards at facilities that house large captive cats and stage public performances. Oklahoma and federal authorities have said they will review the preserve’s operations as part of the ongoing investigation, though no additional details about possible charges or enforcement actions have been released. The case highlights the broader debate over roadside zoos and the ethics and risks associated with performing big-cat acts, which advocates say can endanger staff, animals, and audiences alike.

As investigators gather evidence and await autopsy results, relatives and colleagues mourn Easley’s death and those who knew him describe a man deeply committed to animal welfare. The broader discussion around tiger-handling facilities continues, with regulatory scrutiny likely to shape how similar operations are run and what safety measures are required for handlers who work in close contact with large dangerous cats.