Ryan Easley ran the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve outside of Hugo, Oklahoma. Tragically, it was one of these tigers under his care that turned on him and mauled him to death this past Saturday. After the incident many began to question whether allowing humans to interact with animals in settings that confine apex predators is safe. The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve referred to Easley’s death as an “accident,” arguing that dangerous behavior is unavoidable with wild animals on account of their unpredictable nature.
Easley’s experience with these majestic felines goes way back. He obtained tigers for his ShowMe Tigers operation from the notorious Joe Exotic and Bhagavan “Doc” Antle. Joe Exotic first made headlines when the odd twists and turns of his life were shared in the true crime television hit “Tiger King.” Now, he’s fulfilling a 21-year prison sentence on animal abuse and trying to hire someone to kill animal rights activist Carole Baskin. Easley and Exotic first joined forces almost 20 years ago. Exotic provided Easley the opportunity to shelter his cats for one winter at the zoo.
The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve has temporarily canceled all tours and animal encounters following Easley’s death. They share the community’s heartbreak of this tragic event. They underlined how connected Easley was with the tigers he looked after. That bond was built on respect, everyday attention, and love.
“The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with,” – Growler Pines Tiger Preserve
Though heartbreaking, animal rights activist, Debbie Metzler, made clear the risks associated with engaging with exotic big cats. She stated, “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.” Metzler encouraged the other wild animal exhibitors to leave the industry and send their animals to accredited sanctuaries.
Joe Exotic was understandably irked to find himself connected to Easley’s death in any way. He claimed that he was simply pulled kicking and screaming into media focus over the issue.
“I had nothing to do with this dude other than 18 years ago I let him keep his tigers at my zoo for one winter. Sick of being exploited for headlines,” – Joe Exotic
The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve denounced Easley’s death as a “painful reminder.” Their gifts were a reminder of how beautiful and unpredictable the natural world can be. They understood that Easley just as well understood the dangers of dealing with wild animals. His love for those kids compelled him to take on those risks.
“Ryan understood those risks – not out of recklessness but out of love,” – Growler Pines Tiger Preserve