A former associate of notorious “Tiger King” Joe Exotic was killed by a tiger at his Oklahoma preserve, reigniting concerns about the dangerous reality of private big cat ownership that government regulators have repeatedly failed to adequately address.
Story Snapshot
- Ryan Easley, former Joe Exotic associate and operator of Growler Pines Tiger Preserve, died September 20, 2025 in a tiger attack
- The tragic incident highlights ongoing safety risks at private big cat facilities despite years of regulatory warnings
- Easley’s death will likely fuel renewed calls for stricter oversight of exotic animal preserves across America
- The preserve emphasized Easley’s dedication to animal care while describing the incident as an unpredictable accident
Fatal Attack at Oklahoma Tiger Preserve
Ryan Easley died September 20, 2025, in what Growler Pines Tiger Preserve described as a tiger-related “accident” at the facility near Hugo, Oklahoma. The preserve released a statement the following day confirming Easley’s death and emphasizing his understanding of the inherent risks involved in working with large predators. Easley had operated the private facility independently after previously working alongside Joe Exotic, the controversial figure whose legal troubles were chronicled in Netflix’s “Tiger King” documentary series.
Growler Pines Tiger Preserve issued a public statement describing the tragedy as “a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world.” The facility stressed that Easley was not reckless but rather motivated by genuine love and respect for the animals under his care. Local authorities are conducting a standard investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, though specific details about safety protocols and the immediate cause remain undisclosed.
Connection to Tiger King Legacy
Easley’s association with Joe Exotic linked him to Oklahoma’s controversial private big cat industry, which gained national attention through the “Tiger King” phenomenon. The state has long served as a focal point for exotic animal ownership, with multiple facilities operating under varying levels of regulatory oversight. Joe Exotic’s own Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park was the site of numerous incidents involving animal escapes and staff injuries before his conviction and imprisonment on federal charges.
The Tiger King documentary exposed the inherent dangers and ethical questions surrounding private big cat ownership, yet facilities like Growler Pines continue operating under the premise of animal rescue and education. Easley established his preserve following his time with Joe Exotic, attempting to distance himself from the controversies while continuing the tradition of private exotic animal care in rural Oklahoma.
Regulatory Failures Enable Ongoing Risks
This tragic incident underscores the persistent failure of federal and state regulators to adequately protect both workers and the public from the documented dangers of private big cat facilities. Despite multiple previous incidents across the United States involving injuries and fatalities at similar operations, regulatory frameworks remain insufficient to address the inherent risks posed by housing apex predators in private settings. Animal welfare experts consistently argue that private ownership of big cats creates unnecessary dangers that proper government oversight could prevent.
Tiger handler and ‘Joe Exotic associate’ fatally mauled at Oklahoma preserve https://t.co/yrVuSpCQjR pic.twitter.com/gsjs3IVLej
— New York Post (@nypost) September 22, 2025
The incident will likely prompt renewed scrutiny of safety standards at private preserves nationwide and could influence ongoing policy discussions about exotic animal ownership. Conservative Americans who value personal liberty and limited government intervention must balance these principles against legitimate public safety concerns when dealing with potentially lethal predators. Easley’s death serves as a stark reminder that good intentions and animal expertise cannot eliminate the unpredictable nature of wild predators, regardless of the caretaker’s experience or dedication.
Sources:
An associate of ‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic dies in tiger ‘accident’: Here’s what we know
