The Untamed Life of Joe Exotic

Joe Exotic, a name that might not ring a bell, but his story is one of the wildest tales out there. This Oklahoma-based zookeeper is serving 22 years in prison. Why? For trying to hire someone to kill an animal rights activist. His life story is now the talk of the town, thanks to a Netflix docu-series that hit the screens in 2020. Joe Exotic is not your average zookeeper. He's a blond, mullet-sporting, country music-loving guy who had a zoo filled with lions and tigers. His life took a dramatic turn when he got into a feud with Carole Baskin, the owner of Big Cat Rescue. She was campaigning to shut down his zoo and stop him from touring with his exotic animals. This feud escalated to a point where Joe tried to hire someone to kill Carole. He is now paying the price for his actions. Joe Exotic's legal troubles don't end at the murder-for-hire plot. He was also convicted of violating wildlife laws. The Justice Department accused him of killing five tigers to make space for other big cats. This is a serious offense, and it's one of the reasons he's behind bars today. He was also convicted of falsifying wildlife records, which is a violation of the Lacey Act. Joe Exotic is not just a zookeeper; he's also a politician. He ran for president in 2016 and for governor of Oklahoma in 2018. In his campaign video, he made it clear that he wouldn't change his appearance or lifestyle for anyone. He proudly stated that he is gay and has had two boyfriends most of his life. He also admitted to being broke. Fame seemed to be Joe Exotic's ultimate goal. He hosted his own online series and even filmed footage for a reality TV show. He was also an aspiring country music star. His songs, like "I Saw A Tiger" and "Here Kitty Kitty, " are featured in the docu-series. He even sold souvenirs in his zoo's store, including condoms with his face on them. Joe Exotic's personal life is as wild as his professional life. He was once married to two men at the same time. In 2014, he married Travis Maldonado and John Finlay. They all wore matching pink shirts and black jeans for the ceremony. Joe and John later split, and Travis died in 2017. Joe then married Dillon Passage in 2018, but they divorced in 2023. In 2025, Joe announced that he has remarried, this time to a fellow inmate named Jorge Flores Maldonado. He shared a post on X with his partner, writing, "Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband, Jorge Flores Maldonado. " The story of Joe Exotic is a tale of obsession, fame, and the consequences of one's actions. It's a reminder that the pursuit of fame and fortune can often lead to a downfall. It's also a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of violating wildlife laws.