Tiger Trainer Mauled to Death During Live Show at Oklahoma Preserve

A tragic accident has shaken the wildlife community in southeastern Oklahoma. Ryan Easley, a seasoned tiger trainer and owner of Growler Pines Tiger Preserve, was killed Saturday during a live performance when one of his tigers suddenly turned on him.

🐅 Fatal Attack in Front of Audience
The incident occurred at the Hugo-based preserve near the Texas border, where Easley was conducting an educational demonstration with a tiger he had raised since it was a cub. According to Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park, the tiger bit Easley around the neck and shoulder, likely killing him instantly. The attack happened in front of a crowd, including Easley’s wife and young daughter.

Despite immediate efforts by Easley's wife to separate the tiger and move it to another cage, Easley was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was transported to the state Medical Examiner’s Office in Tulsa for autopsy.

🧬 A Life Devoted to Big Cats
Easley, 37, was known for his deep passion for wildlife conservation. Before founding Growler Pines, he operated ShowMe Tigers, a traveling big cat show that toured the country. The preserve had passed 32 consecutive USDA inspections without issue, and Easley was regarded by many as a dedicated caretaker.

In a statement, Growler Pines described Easley as someone who “believed deeply in the mission… to provide a safe and forever enriching home for the animals under his care.” The preserve has canceled all tours and encounters until further notice.

🧨 Controversy and Calls for Reform
Easley’s death has reignited debates over the ethics of using wild animals in performances. Animal rights groups, including PETA and Humane World for Animals, condemned the practice and called for an end to roadside zoos and traveling animal acts. PETA claimed Easley had previously acquired tigers from Joe Exotic and Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, both featured in Netflix’s Tiger King.

Joe Exotic, currently serving a federal sentence, expressed condolences online, saying Easley “loved every one of those tigers” before later deleting the posts.

🕯️ Mourning and Reflection
A GoFundMe campaign for Easley’s family has raised over $18,000, and tributes continue to pour in from supporters and critics alike. The USDA and other agencies are investigating the incident, which has left the local community—long known as “Circus City USA”—in mourning.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of apex predators and the risks inherent in human-animal interactions.