The world of exotic animal attractions has been shaken by tragedy after a tiger handler once tied to “Tiger King” star Joe Exotic was killed in a horrific attack. The deadly incident happened over the weekend at a privately run preserve in Oklahoma, where the man had spent years working closely with big cats.
A Fatal Encounter at Growler Pines
Authorities confirmed that 35-year-old Ryan Easley lost his life Saturday at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo. The sanctuary revealed in a somber Facebook post that one of the tigers under his care turned on him during what staff described as an accident. The attack proved fatal.
The preserve spoke of Easley with deep emotion, calling the loss a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that come with working so closely with such powerful predators. “Ryan understood the risks,” the post read. “But his work came not from recklessness, but from love.”
Staff members said the animals meant everything to him. He treated them not as exhibits, but as beings with whom he had built trust and respect through daily care.
Tours Shut Down After Deadly Attack
Growler Pines has long been known for offering guided tours and demonstrations for visitors curious about how tigers are trained and cared for. But after Saturday’s tragedy, the preserve announced it was suspending all encounters and shows until further notice.
Inside the sanctuary, colleagues mourned a man they described as a passionate advocate for animal welfare. “His love for wildlife, especially big cats, was visible in everything he did,” the team said. They remembered him as someone who poured his heart into the mission of giving the animals a safe and enriched home.
For Easley, the preserve was never just a job. Friends said it was his calling. His courage and dedication, they added, left a mark that won’t fade.
Connection to the Infamous Joe Exotic
Easley’s name may sound familiar to those who followed the wild saga of Joe Exotic, the Oklahoma zookeeper who rose to fame in Netflix’s hit docuseries Tiger King. According to PETA, Easley had previously acquired tigers from Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado.
The animal rights group said Easley used those tigers in his own business, ShowMe Tigers, which traveled around the country. PETA alleged the animals were hauled from city to city and forced to perform in circuses.
The organization released a blistering statement after news of Easley’s death. “It’s never safe for humans to interact directly with apex predators,” said Debbie Metzler, senior director of captive wildlife for the PETA Foundation. “It should come as no surprise when a stressed big cat lashes out after being caged, whipped, and denied a natural life.”
PETA Renews Call for Change
PETA once again urged animal exhibitors to end the practice of putting big cats on display and to surrender the animals to accredited sanctuaries. The group said Easley’s death underscores the urgent need to remove wild creatures from commercial shows and private attractions.
“Send them to sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace,” the statement demanded.
Questions Remain
Exactly what triggered the tiger’s deadly attack on Easley is still unclear. Authorities have not released full details about the circumstances of the mauling.
What remains certain is that a man who devoted his life to caring for some of the world’s most dangerous animals died doing the work he loved most. The loss leaves behind grieving colleagues, shocked visitors, and renewed debate over whether humans should ever work in such close contact with predators capable of killing in an instant.
At Growler Pines, the cages sit quiet for now. The tours are canceled. And the staff is left to mourn the man who believed so strongly in their mission, even as the risks proved fatal.
