Animal Handler Killed in Tiger Attack at Oklahoma Preserve
Animal Handler Killed in Tiger Attack at Oklahoma Preserve
A tragic incident unfolded this past weekend at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in southeastern Oklahoma, where animal handler Ryan Easley was killed by a tiger under his care. The preserve, located near Hugo, confirmed Easley’s death on Sunday, describing it as an “accident” involving one of the big cats.
Deputies arriving on the scene found Easley unresponsive. In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Growler Pines Tiger Preserve expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging the inherent risks of working with wild animals. “This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world,” the organization stated, emphasizing Easley’s profound love and respect for the animals he tended. All tours at the private facility have been suspended until further notice.
Easley reportedly had connections to prominent figures in the big cat world, having acquired tigers from Joseph Maldonado, known as Joe Exotic, and Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, both featured in the Netflix series “Tiger King.” Joe Exotic, in social media posts that have since been removed, offered condolences to Easley’s family, praising his dedication to the tigers. A GoFundMe campaign established for Easley’s family has already raised over $18,000. This incident follows closely on the heels of another fatal attack involving a zookeeper and lions at a safari park in Thailand just days prior.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.