Ryan Easley, 37, died during a tiger performance at his Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Oklahoma.
The preserve confirmed the accident on Facebook, calling Easley’s work his “calling and life’s purpose.”
Connections to “Tiger King”
Easley had past associations with Joe Exotic, who praised him on social media after the death.
Exotic emphasized the tiger bore no blame, noting human risks exist in many professions.
Animal Rights Concerns Raised
PETA criticized Easley’s facility as a “roadside zoo,” claiming it forced tigers to perform across the country.
Debbie Metzler called direct interaction with big cats unsafe and urged remaining exhibitors to retire the animals to sanctuaries.
