Caretaker killed by tiger at wildlife preserve in southeastern Oklahoma

HUGO, Okla. — An animal handler was killed by a tiger under his care at a preserve for big cats in southeastern Oklahoma, the organization said Sunday.

Growler Pines Tiger Preserve said in a statement that Ryan Easley died Saturday in “an accident” involving a tiger at the property near Hugo, not far from the Texas border.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world,” the preserve said on its Facebook page. “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.”

All tours have been canceled until further notice, the statement said.

The preserve is a private facility where visitors can book tours to view tigers and see demonstrations on how the animals are trained and cared for, according to its website.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claimed Easley received his tigers from Joe Exotic, the star of the reality TV series “Tiger King.” Exotic’s real name is Joseph Maldonado. 

Maldonado said he only let Easley keep his tigers at a zoo for one winter. In a since-deleted social media post Maldonado said Easley “took great care of his animals” and “was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants.” 

Maldonado is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence after being convicted in a murder-for-hire plot and of multiple wildlife violations.

PETA issued a blunt statement in response to Easley’s death.

“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,” the animal rights group said. “PETA is calling for the remaining wild animal exhibitors who aren’t dead or in federal prison to get out of the business now and send the animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace.”