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In January 2020, Oklahoma-based zookeeper Joe Exotic received a 22-year prison sentence for orchestrating a murder plot against an animal rights advocate who sought to shut down his business. The controversial figure’s life is now chronicled in Netflix’s captivating docu-series, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem & Madness, which debuted on the streaming platform. This tale of Joe Exotic explores the dark side of exotic animal ownership and the consequences of escalating conflicts.
Amid current events, this bizarre but true story provides a needed escape. Behind bars, Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic, is portrayed as an outlandish, blond, mullet-sporting, aspiring country singer with a passion for lions and tigers, once proudly showcased at his zoo, Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park. However, his life took a tumultuous turn when he became fixated on Carole Baskin, the owner of Big Cat Rescue sanctuary. Baskin spearheaded demonstrations in order to halt his ownership and exotic animal tours. A venomous online quarrel transformed into a bungled murder-for-hire scheme, which ultimately led to his imprisonment. Here’s what you need to know about Joe Exotic and his extraordinary saga:
Conviction on Murder-for-Hire Charges
A jury found Joe Exotic guilty in 2019 on two counts of murder-for-hire, determining he paid a man $3,000 to travel to Florida and assassinate Carole Baskin.
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Furthermore, Joe Exotic faced convictions for eight counts of violating the Lacey Act for falsifying wildlife records and nine counts of violating the Endangered Species Act. The Justice Department accused him of euthanizing five tigers in October 2017, purportedly to create additional cage space for other large cats.
Political Aspirations
Joe Exotic entertained political ambitions, making a bid for the presidency in 2016 and the governorship of Oklahoma in 2018.
In a campaign video featured on Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, the zookeeper declared, “First thing is, I’m not cutting my hair. I’m not changing the way I dress. I refuse to wear a suit… I am gay. I’ve had two boyfriends most of my life… I am broke as s***.”
Quest for Celebrity
Joe Exotic harbored a strong desire for fame and recognition.
Besides hosting his own online series, he captured footage for a reality TV show intended for network pitching. Tourists could also purchase souvenirs at the zoo’s shop, including condoms adorned with his likeness.
Musical Endeavors
Joe Exotic pursued a career as an aspiring country music performer.
Several of Joe Exotic’s music videos appear in the docu-series, featuring songs such as “I Saw A Tiger” and “Here Kitty Kitty.”
Multiple Marriages
Joe Exotic was once simultaneously married to two men.
According to Texas Monthly, Joe Exotic married Travis Maldonado and John Finlay in 2014. The grooms donned matching pink shirts and black jeans. Joe Exotic and John later separated. Travis tragically died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in October 2017. Two months later, Joe Exotic wed Dillon Passage; they divorced in 2023.
In 2025, Joe Exotic, still incarcerated, announced his marriage to fellow inmate Jorge Flores Maldonado. He shared a post on X with his partner, stating, “Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband, Jorge Flores Maldonado.”