Animal handler linked to 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic mauled to death by big cat at Oklahoma preserve

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."

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.

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.

(c) Sky News 2025: Animal handler linked to 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic mauled to death by big cat at Oklahoma preserv