Tragedy struck at a tiger preserve in Oklahoma when a tiger mauled Ryan Easley, a former associate of “Tiger King” star Joe Exotic, during a live animal show.
The fatal incident occurred on Saturday at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Choctaw County, according to Sheriff Terry Park. Easley was handling the tiger when the animal suddenly attacked, sinking its teeth into his neck and shoulder and violently shaking him before the situation could be controlled.
Paramedics and deputies responded after a 2 PM emergency call, but Easley was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Investigation Underway
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is investigating the incident and will determine the future of the tiger and the preserve. Sheriff Park confirmed that the tiger is currently confined to a single cage and will remain isolated until the probe concludes.
“The tiger has been put in a single cage and will not be allowed out pending the outcome of the investigation,” Park stated.
Connection to Joe Exotic
Some of the animals under Easley’s care were originally Joe Exotic’s tigers, which Easley acquired after Exotic was imprisoned. Joe Exotic is serving a 21-year sentence for orchestrating a botched murder-for-hire plot against animal activist Carole Baskin.
Exotic mourned Easley’s death on social media, offering condolences to his family.
Tributes and Controversy
The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve honored Easley in a social media post, calling him a “passionate advocate for wildlife conservation” who had a deep love for big cats.
However, not everyone shared this sentiment. PETA criticized Easley, claiming he “hauled [tigers] around the country, forced them to perform in cruel circuses, and kept them trapped in cages for hours when they weren’t performing”. The animal rights group also highlighted other alleged mistreatment of animals under Easley’s care.
The Aftermath
The incident underscores the inherent risks of handling large predators, even for experienced trainers. Authorities continue to investigate the preserve and the tiger involved, with the public awaiting guidance on what measures will be taken to prevent future tragedies.
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📲 Stay tuned to The Pop Radar (TPR) for updates on this story and other developments in wildlife conservation and “Tiger King” news.
