Tiger Kills Handler at Oklahoma Big-Cat Preserve; Tours Suspended

A tiger killed a handler at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve, a private big-cat facility near Hugo, Oklahoma, on Saturday, according to the organization. Growler Pines Tiger Preserve said in a statement that Ryan Easley died Saturday in "an accident" involving a tiger at the property near Hugo.

The preserve described the incident as a tragedy and offered condolences to Easley's family. The facility's website says it is a private facility where visitors can book tours to view tigers and see demonstrations on how the animals are trained and cared for.


In its Facebook posting, the preserve said, "This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world." It added, "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."

All tours have been canceled until further notice, the statement said, as the preserve reviews the circumstances of the death. The incident occurred at Growler Pines, located in southeastern Oklahoma near the Texas border.

The case underscores the ongoing safety questions surrounding private big-cat facilities that keep such animals for public viewing and demonstrations. Officials did not release additional details about the investigation, and no other injuries were reported.