Ryan Easley, once linked to Joe Exotic, was killed by a tiger at Growler Pines in Oklahoma. The preserve and PETA released statements after the fatal attack.
A tiger handler linked to “Tiger King” star Joe Exotic was killed in “an accident” at an Oklahoma animal preserve, according to ABC News.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. Ryan knew those risks — not out of carelessness but out of love,” the preserve wrote.
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Who was Ryan Easley ?
Ryan Easley, a wildlife caretaker and operator of the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo, Oklahoma, died after being attacked during an “accident” on Saturday at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, the facility confirmed in a Facebook post.
Staff added, “The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he connected with through respect, daily care, and love.”
The preserve, which offers guided tours and training demonstrations, has suspended all visits until further notice. Easley’s colleagues remembered him as a “passionate advocate for wildlife conservation.”
“His love for animals, especially big cats, was clear in everything he did. He dedicated his life to their care and believed deeply in the mission of Growler Pines — to provide a safe and permanent home for the animals,” the preserve said.
“Growler Pines was not just a workplace for Ryan. It was his calling, his passion, and his life’s purpose. His courage and commitment to wildlife will never be forgotten.”
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According to PETA, Easley obtained tigers from Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joe Maldonado, for his business “ShowMe Tigers.” The group said he “hauled them around the country” and “forced them to perform in circuses.”
“It’s never safe for humans to interact directly with apex predators, and it’s never shocking when a big cat lashes out after being caged, whipped, and denied everything natural and important to them,” said Debbie Metzler, PETA Foundation’s senior director of captive wildlife.
PETA urged exhibitors to “get out of the business now and send the animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace.”\
Ryan Easley “lost his life in an accident involving a tiger under his care” on Saturday, the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo said in a statement.
A tiger handler linked to “Tiger King” Joe Exotic has been killed by one of the big cats at the Oklahoma preserve where he worked.
Ryan Easley “lost his life in an accident involving a tiger under his care” on Saturday, the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo said in a statement on its Facebook page.
It said: “Ryan was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. His love for animals, especially Big Cats, was evident in every aspect of his life.
“He dedicated his life to the protection and care of these magnificent animals, and he believed deeply in the mission of Growler Pines – to provide a safe and forever enriching home for the animals under his care.
“Growler Pines was more than just a place of work for Ryan, it was his calling, his passion and his life’s purpose. His courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to wildlife will never be forgotten.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. Ryan understood those risks – not out of recklessness but out of love.”
It said: “His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the animals he protected and the example he set for others who dedicate their lives to working with wildlife.”
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The preserve – which according to its website was established as Easley’s travelling big cats show ShowMe Tigers – added all tours and encounters had been cancelled until further notice.
It is a private facility where people can book guided tours to meet tigers and see demonstrations on how they are trained and cared for.
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Animal rights group PETA said in a statement on Sunday “it’s never safe for humans to interact directly with apex predators”.
It called for wild animal exhibitors “to get out of the business now and send animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace”.
PETA said Easley had acquired tigers from “associate” Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, and Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, also a star of the Netflix series.