‘Tiger King’ and ‘Tiger King 2’ star Jeff Lowe, along with his wife Lauren have been accused of “recurring inhumane treatment and improper handling” of the big cats that were seized from their Oklahoma animal park
A jaguar, several lions, many tigers and even some lion-tiger hybrids were taken from the Animal Park in Thackerville, Oklahoma, after concerns about the animals‘ care and wellbeing was relayed to officials in a civil complaint last November.
‘Tiger King’ Star Jeff Lowe in Hot Water After Officials Seize 68 big Cats From His Zoo.
In an affidavit, officials allege that several animals at the park were being “harmed and harassed” as per the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This includes Lowe not providing the cats with proper shelter or nutritional care.
This recent removal of the big cats came after the park had been subjected to three different inspections since December 2020 and Lowe not complying with court orders.
Lowe failed to employ a qualified vet and establish a program of care for the big cats.
Lowe’s attorneys reject the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) claims that Lowe is treating the animals improperly saying in a statement to People magazine, “Watch Tiger King 2 for the real story, not the story made up by a corrupt DOJ.”
Last summer Carole Baskin was awarded ownership of the GW Exotic Animal Park, featured in the wildly successful Tiger King docu-series. Previously owned by Joe Exotic, (currently serving 22 years in prison– partly for a murder for hire plot taken out against Baskin) ownership was given over to both Lowe and Exotic’s mother in hopes to dilute Exotic’s assets. It didn’t work. After ownership was awarded to Baskin, Lowe closed the Wynnewood site and moved the animals to a park in Thackerville.
If found guilty of their unethical treatment of animals claim, it is possible there could be jail time in the Lowe’s future. The second part of Exotic’s sentence includes 17 federal charges of animal abuse: eight violations of the Lacey Act and nine of the Endangered Species Act.
Tiger King 2 has not officially been announced as yet, though Lowe has made several claims he is featured in the sequel and has already completed filming.
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