The Netflix docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness” took the world by storm in 2020 with its bizarre and shocking portrayal of the world of big cat breeding in the United States. Led by flamboyant Joe Exotic, the quirky cast became famous, leaving fans curious about their post-finale fates. We explore the current whereabouts and activities of “Tiger King” key players since the show’s release.
The show’s popularity was fueled in part by the larger-than-life personalities of its cast, including Joe Exotic, his arch-nemesis Carole Baskin, and a host of other colorful characters. The show’s depiction of the world of big cat breeding was also controversial, with many viewers questioning the ethics of keeping such powerful animals in captivity.
Since the show’s release, many of the show’s key characters have faced legal and personal challenges, and the show’s impact on social media and popular culture has been significant. In this article, we’ll explore all of these topics and more, and provide an update on where the cast of “Tiger King” is now.
Key Takeaways
- The Netflix docuseries “Tiger King” captivated audiences with its bizarre portrayal of the world of big cat breeding in the United States.
- The show’s cast of eccentric characters, led by Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, became household names, and viewers were left wondering what happened to them after the show’s explosive finale.
- Since the show’s release, many of the show’s key characters have faced legal and personal challenges, and the show’s impact on social media and popular culture has been significant.
The Netflix Docuseries
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness is a docuseries that premiered on Netflix in March 2020. The series follows the eccentric life of Joe Exotic, a big cat breeder who operated a roadside zoo in Oklahoma. The show became an instant hit, with viewers captivated by the bizarre cast of characters, including Joe Exotic’s nemesis Carole Baskin, a self-proclaimed animal rights activist.
The series consists of seven episodes and delves deep into the world of big cat breeding, exploring the shady practices and personalities involved. The show also touches on themes of power, greed, and obsession, making it a fascinating watch for audiences.
Since its release, the show has garnered a massive following and has become a cultural phenomenon. The series has been parodied and referenced in popular culture, and even led to a surge in interest in big cat ownership.
Despite the show’s success, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season. However, rumors continue to circulate about the possibility of a follow-up, with some speculating that a new season could focus on the aftermath of Joe Exotic’s imprisonment.
Overall, Tiger King is a captivating and entertaining docuseries that offers a glimpse into a bizarre and often disturbing world. Whether or not a second season is in the works, the show’s impact on pop culture is undeniable.
Key Characters
Joe Exotic
Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was the central character of the Tiger King documentary. The owner of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, he gained renown for his flamboyant personality and passion for big cats. Nonetheless, he also became embroiled in various controversies, including his participation in a scheme to eliminate his rival, Carole Baskin.
Since the release of the documentary, Joe Exotic has been serving a 22-year prison sentence for his involvement in the murder-for-hire plot and for animal abuse. He has additionally received a diagnosis of prostate cancer and has been actively pursuing a pardon from former President Donald Trump.
Carole Baskin
Carole Baskin is the founder and CEO of Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit organization based in Florida. She was Joe Exotic’s rival in the documentary, and he accused her of being responsible for the disappearance of her second husband, Don Lewis.
Since the release of the documentary, Carole Baskin has continued to run Big Cat Rescue and has become an advocate for animal rights. She has also been a contestant on Dancing with the Stars and has been the subject of a number of conspiracy theories.
Jeff Lowe
Jeff Lowe was a business partner of Joe Exotic and took over the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park after Joe’s arrest. He was also featured prominently in the documentary and was known for his flashy lifestyle and his love for big cats.
Since the release of the documentary, Jeff Lowe has been involved in a number of legal issues, including a lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act. He has also announced plans to open a new zoo in Oklahoma.
Doc Antle
Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, another big cat owner featured in the documentary, owned the Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina and gained recognition for his appearances on talk shows and in music videos.
Since the release of the documentary, Doc Antle has continued to run the Myrtle Beach Safari and has denied any wrongdoing. However, he has also been the subject of a number of controversies, including allegations of animal abuse and sexual misconduct.
Other Key Characters
Other key characters in the Tiger King documentary include John Finlay, Joe Exotic’s ex-husband; James Garretson, a former business partner of Joe Exotic; and Rick Kirkham, a former producer of Joe Exotic’s reality TV show. Since the release of the documentary, these individuals have largely stayed out of the public eye.
Legal and Controversial Issues
The Tiger King documentary series on Netflix has been surrounded by legal and controversial issues since its release. The show features the rivalry between Joe Exotic, a former zoo operator, and Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist. Here are some of the legal and controversial issues related to the show.
One of the most prominent legal issues concerning the show revolves around the murder-for-hire plot against Carole Baskin, leading to Joe Exotic’s conviction. In 2019, authorities sentenced Joe Exotic to 22 years in prison for his attempt to hire an individual to assassinate Baskin. The show highlights this plot and the subsequent trial, which was a major storyline throughout the series.
The show also features allegations of animal abuse and neglect by Joe Exotic and other zoo operators. The U.S. Department of Interior has cited Joe Exotic and his former zoo for numerous violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including inadequate veterinary care and improper handling of animals. The show also depicts Joe Exotic shooting and killing several tigers, which is illegal under the Endangered Species Act.
In addition to the murder-for-hire plot and animal abuse allegations, the show also features a lawsuit between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. Joe Exotic sued Baskin for trademark infringement, alleging that she was using his name and likeness without permission. Baskin countersued for damages and won a judgment of over $1 million against Joe Exotic.
There are also allegations of perjury and false testimony in the show. During Joe Exotic’s trial, a key witness, Jeff Lowe, admitted to lying under oath during his testimony. Lowe was a business partner of Joe Exotic and is featured prominently in the show.
Overall, the Tiger King documentary series on Netflix has brought attention to the controversial world of big cat ownership and the legal issues surrounding it. The show has sparked discussions about animal cruelty and the need for stronger laws to protect endangered species.
Social Media Impact
The success of “Tiger King” on Netflix has had a significant impact on the social media presence of its main characters. The show’s popularity has led to an increase in followers across various social media platforms, with some cast members leveraging their newfound fame to launch their own social media pages.
One of the most significant impacts of the show has been on Joe Exotic’s social media presence. Before the show’s release, Joe had a relatively small following on social media. However, since the show’s release, his following has grown substantially.
Fans are flocking to his Facebook page and YouTube channel to keep up with his latest antics. Joe’s Facebook page has over 1 million followers, and his YouTube channel has over 250,000 subscribers.
Carole Baskin’s social media presence has also been affected by the show’s success. While Carole had a significant following on social media before the show’s release, her following has grown substantially since then. She now has over 1.5 million followers on her Facebook page and over 200,000 followers on her Instagram account.
Other cast members have also seen an increase in their social media presence since the show’s release. Jeff Lowe, who took over Joe Exotic’s zoo, has seen a significant increase in followers on his Facebook page. His Instagram account has also experienced a notable surge in followers.
Similarly, John Finlay, one of Joe Exotic’s ex-husbands, has launched his own Facebook page. On this page, he shares updates on his life and interacts with fans.
Current Status
Since the release of the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness” in March 2020, the lives of its cast members have undergone significant changes. Here’s an update on where some of the key players are now:
Joe Exotic
Joe Exotic, the former owner of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and animal abuse. However, he has continued to make headlines from behind bars, including running for president in 2020 and filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice.
Carole Baskin
Carole Baskin, the founder of Big Cat Rescue in Florida, has been a vocal critic of Joe Exotic and his treatment of animals. Since the release of “Tiger King,” she has also competed on “Dancing with the Stars” and launched a cryptocurrency called $CAT. However, she has faced criticism and controversy over her handling of Big Cat Rescue and her missing husband case.
Doc Antle
Doc Antle, the owner of Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, has faced allegations of animal abuse and trafficking since the release of “Tiger King.” In October 2020, authorities issued an indictment against him, encompassing various charges such as wildlife trafficking and animal cruelty. He has denied all the allegations.
Jeff Lowe
Jeff Lowe, who took over the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park from Joe Exotic, has also faced legal troubles since the release of “Tiger King.” In July 2021, he was ordered to surrender all of his big cats and other exotic animals after the U.S. Department of Agriculture found multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act. He has also been involved in a messy divorce and has faced criticism over his treatment of animals.
Other Cast Members
Other cast members of “Tiger King” have also experienced changes in their lives since the release of the documentary series. Some have faced legal troubles, while others have leveraged their newfound fame to launch businesses or pursue other opportunities.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the lives of many cast members. This is similar to the way it has affected people around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has there been any news on Tiger King season 3?
As of August 2023, there has been no official announcement regarding a third season of Tiger King. However, given the success of the first two seasons, it is possible that Netflix may consider renewing the series in the future.
Is Joe Exotic still in prison?
Yes, Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is still serving his 22-year sentence in federal prison. He was convicted in 2019 for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and for violating wildlife laws.
Where are the tigers from Tiger King now?
It is unclear where all of the tigers featured in Tiger King are currently located. Joe Exotic’s former business partner, Jeff Lowe, who relocated his operation to a new site in Oklahoma, owned some of the tigers. Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, who operates a wildlife park in South Carolina, possessed others.
The fate of the tigers owned by Mario Tabraue and Tim Stark, who were also featured in the series, is unknown. However, it has raised concerns among viewers about their well-being and future. It is worth noting that the series has faced criticism for its portrayal of the big cat industry. Additionally, it has been criticized for its portrayal of the impact on the welfare of captive tigers.
Conclusion
The Netflix documentary series, Tiger King, took the world by storm in 2020 and became an instant hit. The show followed the lives of eccentric big cat owners, including Joe Exotic, Carole Baskin, and Doc Antle. It delved into their involvement in a murder-for-hire plot.
Since the show’s release, many of the cast members have faced legal troubles and controversy. Joe Exotic is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for his involvement in the plot to kill Carole Baskin and for animal abuse charges. Carole Baskin continues to run her Big Cat Rescue sanctuary and has become a vocal animal rights activist. Doc Antle has faced accusations of animal abuse and trafficking but has denied any wrongdoing.
Other cast members, such as Jeff Lowe and Tim Stark, have also faced legal issues and controversy. Animal welfare violations led to the closure of Jeff Lowe’s zoo, and he is facing allegations of fraud. Authorities closed down Tim Stark’s zoo due to animal welfare violations. Additionally, they have charged him with multiple offenses, including animal cruelty.
Overall, the cast of Tiger King has had a tumultuous time since the show’s release. While some have continued their involvement in the big cat industry, others have faced legal troubles and public scrutiny. It remains to be seen what the future holds for these controversial figures.