Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Big Cats

The series unravels scandalous events and unexpected twists, exposing the darker side of private zoos and animal trade in the U.S. It offers a behind-the-scenes look into Joe Exotic’s rise and fall, and how obsession, ego, and rivalry spiraled into criminal acts and emotional wreckage.

Viewers are pulled into a universe driven by fame, drama, and tigers — and left questioning how far people will go for power, attention, and revenge.

More than just a documentary, "Tiger King" explores the blurred line between love for animals and exploitation, and opens up discussions about power, violence, and the human condition.

Main Characters and Plot

At the heart of the documentary are a web of characters whose lives revolve around big cats and escalating conflicts. Their relationships, motivations, and secrets drive a story that is almost too bizarre to be true.

Joe Exotic is the flamboyant owner of G.W. Zoo, where he breeds and showcases big cats. Known for his eccentric fashion, country music videos, and YouTube rants, he quickly gained fame and notoriety. But his controversial treatment of animals and shady business practices led to growing scrutiny. Things reached a breaking point when he was charged with a murder-for-hire plot targeting his longtime rival, Carole Baskin.

Carole Baskin is the founder of Big Cat Rescue and a vocal animal rights activist. She opposes Joe Exotic’s zoo and accuses him of exploiting animals. While she presents herself as a protector of big cats, her past and the mysterious disappearance of her husband Don Lewis have raised serious public curiosity and suspicion.

Their feud becomes the series' focal point and spirals into court battles, online attacks, and threats — culminating in Joe’s arrest and a 22-year prison sentence.

The Conflict Between G.W. Zoo and Big Cat Rescue

At its core, the series reveals a bitter battle between two very different philosophies. Joe Exotic runs his zoo as a business and performance venue, while Carole Baskin runs Big Cat Rescue as a sanctuary focused on animal welfare.

Their disagreement turns into a legal war. Joe is sued for trademark infringement, and the lawsuit leads him deeper into debt and desperation. The arrival of Jeff Lowe, a businessman with his own questionable motives, further complicates things and ultimately contributes to Joe’s downfall.

Legal Issues and Animal Welfare

One of the central themes in "Tiger King" is the ethical debate around animal welfare and the legality of owning exotic animals. The documentary highlights lawsuits, accusations of animal abuse, and violations of the Endangered Species Act.

Joe Exotic and others are accused of neglecting basic care, breeding animals irresponsibly, and using cubs for profit. Conditions at several private zoos are called into question. The documentary gives insight into how weak regulation and loopholes have allowed such practices to exist — and even thrive — for years.

It also explores the legal system’s challenges when prosecuting crimes involving animals. The show raises awareness of the need for stronger protections and enforcement.

Why “Tiger King” Struck a Nerve

When "Tiger King" premiered on Netflix in March 2020, it became an instant phenomenon. The timing during global lockdowns helped, but it was the mix of crime, eccentric personalities, and wild storytelling that truly captivated viewers.

The show’s unpredictability, shocking revelations, and deeply flawed characters turned it into a pop culture moment. Viewers weren’t just watching a documentary — they were watching a real-life soap opera with tigers.

The series sparked countless memes, spin-offs, and even prompted lawmakers to reexamine laws on exotic animal ownership. It also left viewers debating Joe Exotic’s guilt, Carole Baskin’s past, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.

Where to Watch

"Tiger King" is available for streaming on Netflix. The original series has two seasons, and Netflix later released a follow-up special exploring the aftermath of Joe Exotic’s arrest and the impact of the show’s popularity.

For anyone interested in true crime, bizarre human behavior, or the ethical dilemmas of animal ownership, "Tiger King" remains one of the most unforgettable series of its kind.