Ryan Easley, a tiger trainer who is being linked in several news reports to “Tiger King” star Joe Exotic, has died after a brutal accident during an animal show that took place Saturday, September 20 in Oklahoma. TMZ says they learned from the Choctaw County sheriff that Easley was handling a tiger at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo when the incident took place.
The report goes on to say the tiger bit Easley around his neck before “violently shaking” the trainer. He was pronounced dead soon after the attack.
Growler Pines Tiger Preserve Makes Statement on Ryan Easley’s Death
The preserve where the tragedy took place issued a lengthy Facebook statement about the incident. They wrote:
“It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic loss of Ryan Easley, who lost his life in an accident involving a tiger under his care at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve on September 20th, 2025.
Ryan was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. His love for animals, especially Big Cats, was evident in every aspect of his life. He dedicated his life to the protection and care of these magnificent animals, and he believed deeply in the mission of Growler Pines- to provide a safe and forever enriching home for the animals under his care. Growler Pines was more than just a place of work for Ryan, it was his calling, his passion and his life’s purpose. His courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to wildlife will never be forgotten.
This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. Ryan understood those risks- not out of recklessness but out of love. The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with- one rooted in respect, daily care and love.
His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the animals he protected and the example he set for others who dedicate their lives to working with wildlife.”
The preserve also informed the public that all tours and tiger encounters are cancelled until further notice.
They asked for privacy and compassion for Easley’s family, and called it “an incredibly difficult time.”
Joe Exotic’s Reaction to Ryan Easley’s Tiger Attack Death
Joe Exotic, the tiger collector who took the world by storm with “Tiger King” in early 2020, took to his X account from prison to say he is being inaccurately linked to Easley, and declared he hasn’t seen or spoken to the trainer in 18 years.
He praised NBC News for getting the story right, according to him.
The Netflix star is serving a 22 year prison sentence, and hopes to be pardoned by Donald Trump. He refers to himself as a “political prisoner,” claiming his downfall was orchestrated by rival tiger collector Carole Baskin and others.
