Tiger handler tied to 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic killed by tiger at Oklahoma preserve

A former colleague of Joe Exotic was fatally mauled by a big cat at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma, according to the facility.

Ryan Easley, the owner of the wildlife attraction, died in an accident involving a tiger under his care on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, the preserve said. The public statement offered no details about the cause of death and said the property would be closed until further notice. In recalling Easley, the preserve described him as a passionate wildlife advocate with a deep love for animals, and it pledged to honor his memory in the days ahead.

Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage and who became widely known from the Netflix series Tiger King, acknowledged the caretaker’s death in a since-removed social media post, The Oklahoman reported. "Prayers go out to his family," Exotic wrote. "Ryan took great care of his animals! He loved every one of those tigers and was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants." Maldonado-Passage is serving a 21-year sentence on 19 federal counts, including wildlife crimes and the murder-for-hire case linked to his zoo rival, Carole Baskin.

The panoply of reactions extended beyond the preserve’s grief. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, commonly known as PETA, issued statements criticizing Easley’s operation, labeling him a villain in the broader debate over roadside zoos. PETA alleged that Easley hauled tigers across the country, forced them to perform in circuses, and kept them in cramped cages for long periods. The group also claimed the handler had whipped tigers during training and urged remaining roadside exhibitors to exit the business and send animals to accredited sanctuaries where they could live in peace. In response, Maldonado-Passage posted on Facebook that PETA "always lie and drag him into everything," according to The Oklahoman.

Easley owned 25 acres of land in Choctaw County, and his death has left his family, including his wife Elaine and their daughter Lily, facing an uncertain future. A GoFundMe page created to assist Easley’s family had raised more than $15,000 of a $20,000 goal at the time of reporting. The page described Easley as someone whose dedication and sacrifice were unmatched and said his love for his family shone above all else.

Local authorities in Choctaw County said they were unwilling to comment on the case when approached by The Oklahoman, and officials with Growler Pines issued a brief statement seeking privacy for Easley’s family as investigators continued. The exact circumstances surrounding the tiger attack remained under review, and it was not immediately clear whether standard safety protocols at the preserve were involved or whether the incident will prompt any changes to the facility’s operations.

The tragedy comes at a moment of heightened scrutiny of private and roadside zoos in the region and nationwide, where animal welfare advocates have long argued that big-cat attractions place workers and animals at risk. Experts note that the laws governing such facilities vary by state and are often criticized for lacking robust oversight. In Oklahoma, where the preserve sits, regulators have historically handled inspections and licensing on a case-by-case basis, prompting calls from advocacy groups for stricter standards and greater transparency.

As authorities conduct their review, Growler Pines has paused operations, offering condolences to Easley’s family and promising to provide updates as they become available. Community members and supporters have expressed sympathy for the Easley family while also acknowledging the broader debate over the ethics and safety of private big-cat facilities. The investigation’s outcome could influence local discussions about the future of similar attractions in Oklahoma and across the United States.