Where Is the Tiger King Now?

Mugshot of Joe Exotic, 2018. Photo courtesy of the State of Florida. Public domain.

Joe Exotic became a household name after the release of “Tiger King,” a Netflix^® series that captivated millions with its wild tales of big cats, murder plots, and eccentric characters. But what happened to the self-proclaimed “Tiger King” after the cameras stopped rolling? Joe Exotic’s life has taken several unexpected turns, from legal battles to personal revelations, and he remains a controversial figure even while serving time behind bars.

Time in Prison

In September 2018, Joe Exotic, born Joseph Maldonado-Passage, was arrested amid filming “Tiger King,” accused of attempting to hire two men to murder Carole Baskin, a fellow big cat collector who had labeled him an animal abuser. Prosecutors revealed that in December 2017, Exotic offered $10,000 to an undercover FBI agent to carry out the killing. In 2019, he was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison for 17 federal charges of animal abuse, including killing five tigers, selling tiger cubs, and falsifying records, as well as two counts of attempted murder-for-hire. His sentence was reduced by one year in January 2022, leaving him with a 21-year term.

Despite the fame that “Tiger King” brought him, life in prison has been far from glamorous. According to WNCT, Joe opened up about the harsh realities of incarceration, admitting, “It’s been rough, it really has,” during his interview with Florida’s News Channel WFLA. He also said that he is battling prostate and lung cancer. Throughout it all, Joe has expressed a strong desire for a new trial, holding onto hope for a pardon that could one day set him free.

Carol Baskin, 2019. Photo courtesy of Michael Noonan under CC BY 3.0.

Did ‘Tiger King’ Ruin Joe Exotic’s Life?

Joe Exotic’s rise to fame came at a steep price. According to the New York Post, in a candid 2023 confession from prison with TMZ, he stated that the documentary series “Tiger King” “absolutely” ruined his life. While the show brought him global recognition, it also intensified scrutiny of his actions, leading to legal consequences that many argue might not have been as severe without the spotlight. Joe has publicly expressed regret over his involvement in the show, believing it painted a distorted picture of his life and actions.

A Glimmer of Hope for a Pardon?

Despite the hardships of prison life, Joe Exotic remains hopeful. He is actively pursuing a new trial, backed by what he claims is “new evidence,” and believes a pardon might be within reach. Joe has even begun planning for life after his release, which includes marrying his fiancée, Seth Posey, and embarking on a concert tour. In a conversation with Jeff from WFLA, Joe declared, “If I walk out of here tomorrow, Jeff, I’m never going to own another animal again,” according to WNCT. While the outcome of his efforts remains uncertain, his determination to regain his freedom is unwavering.

A group of big cats at Exotic’s former zoo, including a Taliger. Photo courtesy of Fight4animalrights under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Joe Exotic’s life after “Tiger King” has been marked by struggles and reflection. From his bleak prison cell, he continues to fight for a second chance, haunted by the fame that once seemed like a blessing. Whether or not he will succeed in securing a new trial or pardon remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Joe Exotic’s story is far from over.

References: ‘It’s been rough, it really has’: Tiger King’s Joe Exotic holds out hope for new trial, pardon from behind bars | Joe Exotic’s prison confession: ‘Tiger King’ ‘absolutely’ ruined my life