Tragic Incident at Growler Pines
Ryan Easley, a 37-year-old animal handler, was killed by a tiger on September 20, 2025, at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma. Authorities report that Easley was conducting a demonstration with one of the preserve’s big cats when the animal attacked. His wife and young daughter were present at the time but were unharmed. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Easley was pronounced dead at the scene.
Career and Connections
Easley ran ShowMe Tigers, a business that exhibited and cared for big cats, including tigers previously associated with Joe Exotic and Dr. Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, figures made famous by the Netflix documentary Tiger King. Easley was known for his hands-on work with exotic animals, which brought him both national attention and highlighted the dangers of interacting closely with large predators.
Response from Preserve and Animal Rights Groups
Growler Pines described Easley’s death as a tragic accident, emphasizing his dedication to the animals in his care. Following the incident, the preserve suspended all public tours and interactions with animals. Animal rights groups, including PETA, condemned the attack, stressing that incidents like this demonstrate the inherent risks of private exotic animal exhibitions and advocating for stricter regulations and the relocation of animals to accredited sanctuaries.
Public Reaction and Legacy
Colleagues and friends remembered Easley as deeply passionate about big cat conservation. In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe campaign to support his family raised tens of thousands of dollars. The incident has renewed discussions about the ethics and safety of private exotic animal handling and the risks associated with close human interaction with dangerous wildlife.
