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An animal handler linked to Tiger King star Joe Exotic has been killed by a tiger under his care in Oklahoma.
Ryan Easley was fatally attacked by a tiger at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo on Saturday, Sept. 20, the wildlife refuge announced in a statement on Facebook.
“It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic loss of Ryan Easley, who lost his life in an accident involving a tiger under his care at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve,” the preserve wrote.
Easley was performing an act with the tiger when “something went wrong” and he was attacked. He was not breathing when deputies arrived, CNN affiliate KXII reported, citing the Choctaw County Sheriff.
“…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,” the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve continued in their statement.
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According to PETA, Easly acquired tigers from Joe Exotic, 62, and Dr. Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, the controversial stars of Netflix’s hit documentary series Tiger King, for his business, ShowMe Tigers.
In a statement following his death. the animal rights organization accused Easley of mistreating the tigers under his care.
“…For years [Easly] had hauled them around the country, forced them to perform in cruel circuses, including Shrine and Carden Circuses, and kept them trapped in cages for hours when they weren’t performing,” PETA claimed.
The organization also accused Easley in 2017 of “violently whipping tigers during a training session” a reported 31 times and keeping his tigers in “cramped cages” at Joe Exotic’s former zoo, G.W. Exotic Animal Park, in the winter.
Debbie Metzler, Foundation Senior Director of Captive Wildlife, said in a statement, “It’s never safe for humans to interact directly with apex predators, and it’s never a surprise when a human is attacked by a stressed big cat who has been caged, whipped, and denied everything natural and important to them.”
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Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage and who is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence, wrote in a since-deleted tribute on social media, “Prayers go out to his family. Ryan took great care of his animals! He loved every one of those tigers and was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants,” per The Oklahoman.
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The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve described Easley as a “passionate advocate for wildlife conservation” who “dedicated his life to the protection and care of these magnificent animals.”
“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,” the statement continued, adding, “We ask for privacy and compassion for his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The wildlife preserve has canceled all tours until further notice following Easley’s death.
