A tiger handler who was an “associate” of “Tiger King” star Joe Exotic was fatally mauled by a big cat under his care at an Oklahoma preserve over the weekend, according to authorities.
Ryan Easley died after a tiger attacked him during an “accident” on Saturday at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, the preserve wrote in a Facebook post.
“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,” Growler Pines Tiger Preserve wrote.
“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 said.
The center, where people can book guided outings and watch demonstrations on how the big cats are trained, has cancelled all tours and encounters until further notice.
Easley’s colleagues remembered him as 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 preserve continued.
“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.”
Easley acquired tigers from the incarcerated “Tiger King” star, whose real name is Joe Maldonado, for his own business called “ShowMe Tigers,” PETA wrote in a statement Sunday.
He “hauled them around the country,” the animal rights organization wrote, alleging he “forced them to perform in cruel circuses.”
“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,” PETA Foundation Senior Director of Captive Wildlife Debbie Metzler said in a statement.
The group called for wild animal exhibitors to “get out of the business now and send the animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace.”
The exact circumstances of Easley’s death are not yet clear.
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