An animal handler connected to Tiger King star Joe Exotic has died after being attacked by a tiger in Oklahoma.
Ryan Easley was fatally attacked at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo on Saturday, Sept. 20, the wildlife refuge said 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. According to CNN affiliate KXII, deputies found him not breathing when they arrived, 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 preserve added.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help Easley’s family.
“Ryan’s impact cannot be overstated,” the organizer wrote. “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.”
According to PETA, Easley got tigers from Joe Exotic, 62, and Dr. Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, both stars of Netflix’s Tiger King, for his business, ShowMe Tigers.
After his death, the animal rights organization accused Easley of mistreating the tigers under his care.
“…For years [Easley] 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 group also said that in 2017, Easley “violently whipped tigers during a training session” 31 times and kept them in “cramped cages” at Joe Exotic’s former zoo, G.W. Exotic Animal Park, during the winter.
Debbie Metzler, Foundation Senior Director of Captive Wildlife, said, “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.”
Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage and who is serving a 21-year prison sentence, shared a tribute on social media before deleting it: “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,” reported The Oklahoman.
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 preserve said. They also requested privacy for his family during this difficult time.
Following Easley’s death, the preserve has canceled all tours until further notice.
