Where Are They Now? The Unfolding Saga Of Netflix's Tiger King Stars

Remember 2020? Amidst lockdowns and global uncertainty, a certain docuseries burst onto Netflix, captivating millions with its outlandish characters, bizarre rivalries, and a truly wild world of big cats. That series was, of course, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. It became an instant cultural phenomenon, turning obscure figures into household names overnight. The real-life stars of 2020's viral hit Netflix series Tiger King still intrigue years later, proving that the fascination with this peculiar corner of America hasn't faded. So, what exactly has happened to Joe Exotic, Carole Baskin, and the other unforgettable personalities since the cameras stopped rolling and the series dropped?

Joe Exotic: The Imprisoned King Still Roars

At the heart of the Tiger King saga is the flamboyant, gun-toting, mullet-wearing former zookeeper, Joseph Allen Maldonado (né Schreibvogel; born March 5, 1963). Known professionally as Joe Exotic and nicknamed "The Tiger King," he was an American media personality and businessman whose life was a whirlwind of exotic animals, country music, and bitter feuds. His larger-than-life persona was central to the show's appeal, but his story took a dark turn long before his Netflix debut.

Joe Exotic was imprisoned before the Netflix saga was released in 2020, and is still serving a lengthy sentence. The former zookeeper was charged with animal abuse and, most notably, a murder-for-hire plot targeting his arch-nemesis, Carole Baskin. Exotic is still serving a 22-year sentence at Grady County Jail in Oklahoma, after he was convicted for a murder-to-hire plot to kill his nemesis, Carole Baskin, and for acts of animal cruelty. While some reports mention a 21-year sentence, the reality is he's facing over two decades behind bars, a stark contrast to his former life running a sprawling private zoo.

Despite his incarceration, Joe Exotic has not faded into obscurity. If anything, the Netflix series amplified his voice and his quest for freedom. Since the series’ release, Joe Exotic, 57 at the time of the show's debut, has won over a whole new set of allies against a host of his former associates and enemies, most prominently the activist Carole Baskin. From behind bars, he has continued to seek a presidential pardon, making headlines with his appeals and even commenting on other high-profile cases, such as the Chrisley family's legal troubles. In one instance, the White House responded after Joe Exotic’s comments about Todd and Julie Chrisley’s presidential pardon, showcasing his continued (albeit indirect) influence on public discourse. His legal team continues to fight for his release, arguing for a new trial and maintaining his innocence regarding the murder-for-hire charges.

Carole Baskin: The Big Cat Rescuer and a Shocking Revelation

On the other side of the fence, literally and figuratively, was Carole Baskin, the CEO of Big Cat Rescue. Portrayed as Joe Exotic's primary antagonist, her mission to shut down his zoo and other private big cat operations formed a central pillar of the series' narrative. However, the show also delved into a long-standing mystery surrounding Baskin: the disappearance of her second husband, Don Lewis.

The disappearance of Don Lewis in 1997 has been a source of intense speculation for years, with Joe Exotic famously accusing Baskin of his murder, a claim she vehemently denies. The series brought this cold case back into the public consciousness, leading to renewed interest and amateur sleuthing. Then, in a truly bizarre twist that could only happen in the world of Tiger King, news broke that "Tiger King" star Carole Baskin's ex-husband, Don Lewis, has been found alive in Costa Rica. This stunning discovery, however, is just now going viral — over a year later, adding another layer of intrigue to an already unbelievable story. While the details of his "discovery" and why it took so long to go viral are still unfolding, this development certainly reignites the discussion around Baskin and her past, even as she continues her advocacy for big cat welfare.

Since the show aired, Carole Baskin has largely focused on her mission to end private big cat ownership and the cub-petting industry, using her newfound fame to push for legislative change. She has also participated in other reality TV shows, attempting to reframe her public image and move past the sensationalism of Tiger King, though the shadow of Don Lewis's disappearance, now with this new "discovery," seems destined to follow her.

The Supporting Cast: Doc Antle, Jeff Lowe, and Others

While Joe and Carole dominated the narrative, Tiger King introduced viewers to a host of other eccentric characters, each with their own complex relationships to the big cat industry. Here we take a look at the cast of Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness and what they got up to next, as the show's spotlight proved to be a double-edged sword for many.

Doc Antle: Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, the founder and director of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.) in South Carolina, was another prominent figure. Known for his spiritual approach to animal keeping and his multiple partners, Antle faced increased scrutiny after the show aired. He has since been indicted on various charges related to wildlife trafficking and money laundering, demonstrating that the show's exposure brought real-world legal consequences for many involved in the big cat trade.
Jeff Lowe: The businessman who initially partnered with Joe Exotic to take over the G.W. Zoo, only to eventually take full control and then face his own legal battles. Lowe, along with his wife Lauren, opened a new park in Oklahoma, but that too has been plagued with issues, including animal welfare complaints and legal troubles. The show certainly highlighted the tumultuous nature of his dealings and the constant legal challenges faced by those in this industry.
Other Minor Characters: Many others, from former employees like Saff Saffery to Joe's various husbands, found themselves unwillingly thrust into the public eye. For some, it brought unwanted attention and harassment; for others, a brief moment of fleeting fame. Much has happened since Tiger King was streamed into homes across the country, and local news outlets like KOCO 5 have tracked down the cast of the popular show, revealing a mix of quiet lives, continued legal woes, and attempts to move on.

The Legacy of Tiger King: More Than Just Mayhem

Beyond the individual fates of its characters, Tiger King left an indelible mark on popular culture. It sparked countless memes, Halloween costumes, and water cooler discussions. More significantly, it shone a harsh light on the controversial world of private exotic animal ownership in the United States, raising public awareness about animal welfare issues and the complex legal landscape surrounding big cats. The series prompted discussions about the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity and the need for stronger regulations.

The question of whether there's enough story left for a Season 2 has lingered since the show's debut. Given the ongoing legal battles, the shocking "discovery" of Don Lewis, and the continued public fascination, it seems the creators of Tiger King may indeed have enough material for future installments. The saga continues to unfold, proving that the bizarre and compelling lives of these individuals are far from over.

In summary, the world of Tiger King remains as wild and unpredictable as the animals at its center. Joe Exotic is still serving a lengthy prison sentence, continuing his fight for freedom from behind bars. Carole Baskin is still advocating for big cats, but now with the astonishing news that her missing ex-husband, Don Lewis, has reportedly been found alive in Costa Rica, adding a dramatic new twist to her long-standing mystery. Meanwhile, other key players like Doc Antle and Jeff Lowe have faced their own legal challenges and continued scrutiny. The Netflix series undeniably changed their lives forever, transforming them from obscure figures into infamous personalities whose stories continue to captivate and bewilder audiences years later.