Tiger King

The Netflix documentary series "Tiger King" took the world by storm in early 2020, captivating viewers with its bizarre cast of characters and shocking revelations about the world of big cat breeding and exotic animal trade. The series tells the story of Joe Exotic, a flamboyant and controversial zookeeper who ran the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, and his feud with animal rights activist Carole Baskin.

The series has been praised for its wild storylines and colorful characters, but it has also been criticized for its portrayal of animal exploitation and for its sensationalism. So, what exactly is "Tiger King," and what has made it such a phenomenon?

The Story of Joe Exotic

At the center of "Tiger King" is Joe Exotic, a charismatic and eccentric zookeeper who owned and operated the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma. The park was home to hundreds of exotic animals, including tigers, lions, and bears, and was a popular destination for tourists and animal enthusiasts.

However, Joe Exotic's methods of breeding and caring for his animals were highly controversial. He was accused of mistreating his animals and of breeding them for profit, rather than for conservation purposes. He also engaged in a bitter feud with Carole Baskin, the founder of Big Cat Rescue, an animal sanctuary in Florida that advocated for the end of big cat breeding and private ownership of exotic animals.

The feud between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin escalated over the years, with Exotic accusing Baskin of being a hypocrite and a murderer. He even made a music video in which he portrayed himself shooting a Baskin lookalike. In 2019, Joe Exotic was convicted of several charges, including murder-for-hire, and is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence.

The Characters of "Tiger King"

Aside from Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, "Tiger King" features a colorful cast of characters who are equally fascinating and bizarre. There's Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, the owner of a wildlife park in South Carolina, who is accused of exploiting his animals and of creating a cult-like atmosphere among his employees. There's also Jeff Lowe, a shady businessman who takes over the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park after Joe Exotic's downfall.

Other characters include Mario Tabraue, a former drug kingpin turned exotic animal dealer, and Tim Stark, the owner of a roadside zoo in Indiana who is known for his explosive temper and questionable animal care practices.

The Dark Side of Big Cat Breeding

While "Tiger King" is often seen as a bizarre and entertaining look at the world of big cat breeding and exotic animal trade, it also sheds light on the darker side of this industry. The series exposes the exploitation and mistreatment of exotic animals, as well as the danger posed by unregulated and underfunded zoos and wildlife parks.

The series also highlights the ethical questions surrounding the breeding and ownership of exotic animals. Many of the animals in the series are kept in small enclosures and are subjected to inhumane living conditions. There is also concern about the safety of the public, as some of the animals are dangerous and can pose a threat to visitors.

Overall, "Tiger King" has been both celebrated and criticized for its portrayal of the world of big cat breeding and exotic animal trade. While it has certainly captured the public's imagination and become a pop culture phenomenon, it has also raised important questions about the ethical treatment of animals and the regulation of the exotic animal trade. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that "Tiger King" is a fascinating and unforgettable piece of television.