Ryan Easley: Animal handler linked to ‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic mauled to death in Growler Pines Tiger Preserve

A tiger-handler who worked closely with “Tiger King” Joe Exotic has been mauled to death by a tiger under his own care.

Ryan Easley, owner of Growler Pines Tiger Preserve, was attacked by a tiger while on site at the preserve in south-eastern Oklahoma.

The company called Mr Easley’s death an “accident” when they confirmed the tragic news in a Facebook post.

“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 on September 20, 2025,” the statement said.

“Ryan was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. His love for animals, especially Big Cats, was evident in every aspect of his life.

“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 preserve typically ran guided tours of the facility, allowing the public to see how handlers train and care for the animals.

Now, all tours of been postponed “due to unforeseen circumstances” and all tickets already held are being refunded.

His wife, Elaine Easley and his young daughter Lily are now grieving Mr Easley, who they remember as a devoted, compassionate and loving man.

A GoFundMe page set up on behalf of Ms Easley said the family’s work in the preserve set the “standard of excellence in stewardship, conservation and care”.

“Ryan’s impact cannot be overstated. His dedication, his sacrifice, and his love for his work were unmatched. Anyone who met him could feel his passion—not only for the animals and his work—but even more so for his family. His love for Elaine and Lily shone above all else,” the statement said.

People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, a rights organisation, released a statement following confirmation of Mr Easley’s death, flagging his connection to Joseph Maldonado, known to viewers of the hit Netflix series Tiger King, as Joe Exotic.

“Easley had acquired tigers from Joe Exotic and fellow Tiger King villain Bhagavan ‘Doc’ Antle for his business, ShowMe Tigers, and for years 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,” the statement said.

“In 2017, Easley was caught violently whipping tigers during a training session, one of whom was reportedly struck 31 times. When Joe Exotic was operating his Oklahoma roadside zoo, GW Exotic Animal Park, Easley boarded his tigers in cramped cages at the roadside zoo during the winter.”

Debbie Metzler, PETA’s senior director, said it is never safe for humans to interact directly with apex predators.

“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,” she said in a statement on PETA’s website.

“PETA is calling for the remaining wild animal exhibitors who aren’t dead or in federal prison to get out of the business now and send the animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace.”

Growler Pines have said the 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 animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with- one rooted in respect, daily care and love,” the preserve’s statement 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.”

Tributes are flowing for Mr Easley and his family on social media.

“I am so very sorry for your loss. Ryan was such a special person. You could see his love and admiration for his tigers in the way he trained with them, and for elephants in the history knowledge he had. Sending love and condolences to his family,” one Facebook user wrote.

“I am speechless reading this. He was an incredible advocate for tiger conservation, and his passion for elephant history was inspiring. I always enjoyed visiting with Ryan when he would come through with the circus or at EMA. My deepest sympathies,” another wrote.