Carole Baskin, the founder of Big Cat Rescue and one of the breakout characters of Tiger King, has finally managed to get a hold of Joe Exotic’s Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park…
Drawn-Out Battle
For those who missed out on Netflix’ viral hit docuseries Tiger King, the colorful Joe Exotic once owned the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, which stretches over 16 acres in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Meanwhile, his nemesis, fellow big cat “expert” Carole Baskin, has been after the zoo for years. As shown in Tiger King, she first filed a lawsuit against Exotic because of a copyright infringement back in 2011. The judge took Baskin’s side in that case, earning her $1 million.
However, Exotic couldn’t payout. So, eventually, Baskin took the park as payment. Sadly for the cast rescuer, she will not get to keep any of the animals. Instead, Exotic’s partner and fellow Tiger King celeb Jeff Lowe has 120 days to leave the premises and find new homes for the animals, or they will go into government custody.
Clashing Positions
“Over a year ago, Mr. Lowe announced plans to move the animals to a location in Thackerville, Oklahoma, that he has been constructing and he claims will be a better facility. He recently stated that he had funds to complete the zoo and a contractor who could complete it in a few months,” Baskin said. “If the need arises to make other plans to place the animals in new homes, Big Cat Rescue and the animal welfare organizations that have previously successfully placed big cats from large facilities in new homes stand ready to assist.”
Of course, Lowe also had to say a few things after the court’s ruling as well. The post on the park’s Instagram read: “Although I am not personally named in the lawsuit, it appears that Carole Baskin and her desire to exact revenge against Joe Exotic trumps the livelihood of the families that came together to save her life Without our efforts, it is well known that Carole would no longer be here.” He shared the plans to make the best Tiger Park ever, with more space and animals in it. “It is my understanding that she will also be taking the cages from the zoo, which thankfully means that the animals that she has will finally have the proper amount of space to move around,” he added to the social media statement.
New, Greater Park
After Tiger King, Lowe and Exotic made a move to re-open the park, which they renamed Tiger King Park, despite many fearing animal rights abusements. However, they said everything was fine. “Please don’t worry about our animals. As you saw on the Netflix documentary, I have been building the greatest Tiger Park the world has ever seen,” Lowe said.
Of course, now Exotic’s serving a 22-year prison sentence, and Baskin has new plans. Once she finishes this season of Dancing with the Stars. “Thanks to our loyal fans and customers, and the amazing people who work at the zoo, the new Tiger King Park is opening in Thackerville, Oklahoma, this September, directly adjacent to the world’s largest casino, Win Star World Casino and Resort.”
Sources: DirectExpose, Insider