Oklahoma Tiger Handler Fatally Mauled in Tragic Big Cat Incident at Growler Pines Preserve

Hugo, OK – A devastating accident occurred at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma, when tiger handler Ryan Easley, an associate of Tiger King’s Joe Exotic, was fatally mauled by a big cat under his care. The incident took place on Saturday, marking a painful moment for the wildlife conservation community and raising concerns about human interaction with apex predators.

Easley was known as a passionate advocate for big cats, expressing his love and commitment daily to the animals he cared for. Despite his dedication, the unpredictable nature of wild animals led to this fatal accident, reminding all of the inherent risks involved in working closely with such creatures.

A Passionate Advocate and the Tragic Incident

Growler Pines Tiger Preserve issued a heartfelt statement emphasizing Easley’s devotion to wildlife conservation. They described him as someone who saw the animals not just as creatures but as beings with whom he formed meaningful connections based on respect and love.

“Ryan was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. His love for animals, especially big cats, was evident in every aspect of his life,” the preserve said. “This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. Ryan understood those risks — not out of recklessness but out of love.”

All tours and animal encounters at the preserve have been suspended indefinitely as the facility processes this shocking loss. Specific details about the circumstances surrounding the mauling haven’t been released to the public.

Controversy Surrounding Big Cat Handling and Ethical Concerns

The incident reignited debates about the treatment of big cats in captivity. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has long criticized Easley and Growler Pines, labeling Easley a former circus exhibitor who forces tigers to perform. They highlighted Easley’s connections to controversial figures such as Joseph Maldonado (Joe Exotic) and Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, both profiled in the Netflix series Tiger King.

“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,” said Debbie Metzler, PETA Foundation Senior Director of Captive Wildlife.

PETA is urging the closure of big cat exhibition businesses, calling for animals to be moved to accredited sanctuaries for peaceful living, underlining the risks associated with forced performances and close human interaction.

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Calls for Change in Wild Animal Entertainment Practices

The Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, also responded to Easley’s death, calling it a “sad and preventable tragedy.” Laura Hagen, the organization’s director of captive wildlife, stressed the need for public awareness regarding wild animal entertainment:

“We can only hope that it serves as a reminder for operators of cruel wild animal ‘entertainment’ acts on the road or at roadside zoos across the U.S. Despite public danger and animal suffering, circuses and fairs still use archaic wild animal acts. We urge the public to avoid any shows that force wild animals to perform. The horrifying and abusive training behind the scenes is a serious risk to humans and animals, and the paying public keeps these businesses alive.”

Key Points of the Incident and Broader Impact

• Ryan Easley, tiger handler at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve, was fatally mauled by a big cat on September 21, 2025.
• The preserve is located in Hugo, Oklahoma, near the Texas border.
• All public tours and animal encounters have been suspended indefinitely following the tragedy.
• PETA has criticized Easley and the preserve, highlighting concerns about forced performances and animal welfare.
• The incident underscores the risks of human interaction with apex predators and the growing calls for closing such exhibitions.
• Organizations like The Humane World for Animals advocate for ending wild animal entertainment acts to prevent future tragedies.

For further details, visit the full report from UPI News.

What do you think about this tragic incident involving a tiger handler? Have you ever visited a big cat preserve or sanctuary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!