Netflix's Tiger King docuseries was the hit of lockdown, entertaining the world over during an unprecedented time. However, it has now been announced that the show's primary setting, Joe Exotic's zoo, has been permanently closed down.
Jeff Lowe made the revelation in a Facebook post, having taken over the GW Zoo, now known as the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, in 2016 when he purchased the facility from Joe Exotic.
Lowe explained that he has forfeited his USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) license and that the Oklahoma Zoo will be shutting its doors for good.
Relive trailer for Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness:
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Lowe wrote in a Facebook post: "The Tiger King phenomenon has definitely changed our lives in many ways. It has brought us more attention than any human deserves, good and bad. It has, and probably will continue to make us a target of every nutjob and animal rights loon in the World, but we are prepared.
"It has also provided us with an unfathomable source of income. Income that will guarantee the long term care of our animals and allow us to be very selective going forward.
"As of today, we have decided to close the old zoo effective immediately.
"Do the the permanent closure of the Wynnewood Zoo, I’m forfeiting my USDA exhibitors license [sic]."
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The reality star claimed that the USDA had made "false accusations" against him, writing: "The very agency that has given my facility five consecutive perfect inspections, has now folded to the pressures of PETA and continue to make false accusations against me.
"Suspiciously, less than 24 hours after I contacted the USDA to voluntarily forfeit my license, they notify me that they are suspending my license for 21 days for a litany of falsehoods.
"In the State of Oklahoma, exotic animal ownership is perfectly legal.
"Rest assured that all the animals will continue to have excellent care, and consequently will no longer be subject to USDA inspections or PETA spies."
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Lowe then explained that the park will now be used to film future Tiger King related projects: "Our new park will, at least for the foreseeable future, be a private film set for Tiger King related television content for cable and streaming services.
"This was in fact a decision that we made more than a month ago and was the huge news that we spoke about on Facebook a couple weeks ago.
"So, thanks to all the people who have visited the Wynnewood Zoo over the years! We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Effective immediately, we are closed to the public!"
The zoo's closure has been celebrated by animal right's organization PETA, who wrote in a statement cited by the Metro: "Jeff Lowe's license has been suspended, a permanent revocation should be next, and his tiger-terrorizing days may soon be over.
"PETA looks forward to seeing every one of the long-suffering animals at the G.W. Zoo be transferred to an appropriate facility where it won't take federal intervention for a sick cat to receive veterinary care."
This comes after it was announced that Carole Baskin had been awarded control of the zoo back in June, with a court ruling that Lowe had 120 days to vacate the premises.