Ryan Easley, a tiger handler with connections to the infamous Tiger King series, tragically died after being mauled by one of the big cats under his care at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 20, 2025, and has shocked those familiar with Easley's work in wildlife conservation.
Growler Pines Tiger Preserve confirmed the incident through a statement on its Facebook page, describing the attack as an "accident involving a tiger under his care."
The tragic incident
Emergency services were called to the scene, where Easley was found unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead.
The preserve, which Easley helped establish after his previous work with ShowMe Tigers—a traveling big cat show—has been a private facility where visitors could meet tigers and see demonstrations of how the animals are cared for and trained.
Ryan Easley’s Legacy
Easley was deeply passionate about animal welfare and dedicated his life to the protection and care of big cats. In its statement, Growler Pines praised him for his love of wildlife and his devotion to conservation, saying: "Ryan was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. His love for animals, especially Big Cats, was evident in every aspect of his life.
"He dedicated his life to the protection and care of these magnificent animals, and he believed deeply in the mission of Growler Pines—to provide a safe and forever enriching home for the animals under his care."
The statement further reflected on Easley's commitment to the preserve, noting: "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.
"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 also highlighted that Easley's influence will continue to be felt: "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."
A controversial industry
While Easley's death has saddened many, it has also reignited debates surrounding the ethics of animal shows and handling dangerous wildlife.
Easley’s work with tigers was linked to two other controversial figures in the world of exotic animals: Joseph Maldonado (Joe Exotic) and Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, both stars of the Netflix documentary Tiger King.
Easley is known to have obtained some of his tigers from these individuals, further associating him with the controversial world of private tiger exhibitions.
Following the tragedy, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) issued a statement expressing its concern about the dangers of humans interacting with apex predators.
PETA has long called for a ban on private tiger handling, with a spokesperson commenting: "It’s never safe for humans to interact directly with apex predators. We urge all wild animal exhibitors to get out of the business now and send animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace."
PETA also referenced Easley’s connections to Joe Exotic and Doc Antle, both of whom were central figures in Tiger King, a documentary series that exposed the dark side of the exotic animal trade.
In the wake of the tragedy, Growler Pines has suspended all tours and encounters with the animals, citing the ongoing investigation and the emotional toll on staff and visitors.
The preserve’s website notes that further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
While the exact details of the incident remain under investigation, this loss serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in working with large, powerful animals.
As Easley’s colleagues and friends reflect on his dedication to the animals, many will continue to debate the ethics of animal shows, tiger breeding, and the safety of those who interact with these majestic, yet unpredictable creatures.