We were wiping down our groceries. We were stress-baking banana bread. And we were staring slack-jawed at our TVs as a man called Joe Exotic pointed a revolver at the camera and declared war on Carole Baskin.
In the strange, sourdough-scented spring of 2020, “Tiger King” was our national distraction. It had everything: big cats, bigger egos, and enough leopard print to clothe an entire Vegas revue.
Now, years later, the question is… where are they now?
The Tiger King’s Litter Box: Where Are They Now?
Joe Exotic – Still in prison, still convinced he’s one appeal away from freedom (he’s scheduled to be released in 2036), and still running for president (at least in his own head). Will he get out in time to star in “Tiger King Season 3: Even Tiger-ier”? Joe (whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado) also remarried while incarcerated. He and a fellow inmate celebrated their nuptials in April 2025.
Howard Baskin – Still at Carole’s side, and yes, that infamous wedding photo of him in a tiger-print tunic on a leash is real and unforgettable. These days, he’s the steady hand behind Big Cat Rescue as secretary-treasurer, helping guide the sanctuary through legal challenges and day-to-day operations while letting Carole take center stage. In other words, Howard is the quiet backbone of the leopard-print empire.
Don Lewis – Carole’s previous husband has been missing since August 18, 1997, after leaving his Tampa home. His van was found near Spring Hill, Florida, two days later with no signs of foul play. He was declared legally dead in 2002, but rumors persist that he’s living in Costa Rica. Carole has claimed Homeland Security records show he is “alive and well” there, but the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed this and still lists the case as open.
Doc Antle & Friends – Still popping up in headlines for legal trouble, including wildlife trafficking and animal cruelty charges.
Last but, not least…
Carole Baskin – The Tiger Queen till running Big Cat Rescue after a short stint on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2020. Of course, Carole is still wearing enough leopard print to single-handedly keep Fabric Depot in business. Which brings us to…
Achieving Carol’s Big Cat Style
Leopard print is back—though, to be fair, it never left Carole’s closet. Here’s our Get the Look starter kit:
- Animal print pants for that “big cat energy”
- Chunky flower crown (pairs well with legal victories and side-eye)
- Long, flowing animal-print kaftan for lounging or live-streaming
- Gold cat-shaped earrings for a subtle roar
- Tandem bicycle for two (animal-print wearing husband optional)
Big Cats, Big Changes
Since the series aired, exotic animal laws have gotten tougher, most notably with the Big Cat Public Safety Act passed in 2022, which phases out private tiger ownership. Turns out, “Tiger” isn’t a starter pet like a goldfish. Who knew? (Answer: literally everyone except the people on this show.)
While Carole Baskin is still running Big Cat Rescue, she’s shifted the focus to helping cats thrive in the wild. The big cats from BCR have been relocated to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Reserve in Arkansas. You can make a donation to to them here.
From Tigers to Chimps: The Wild World of Netflix Docs
If you thought the humans of “Tiger King” were wild, meet the chimps of Ngogo in “Chimp Empire,” from the same filmmakers. Less leopard print, more territorial warfare.
Enter to Win a $100 Netflix Gift Card
Want to relive the madness or finally find out why Joe Exotic hated Carole Baskin so much? We’re giving away a $100 Netflix gift card so you can binge “Tiger King” Seasons 1 & 2—and whatever fever dream comes next.
How to Enter My Exclusive Giveaway
- Click the Link Below – It’ll take you straight to the entry page.
- Sign Up – Just a quick form and your email.
- Play to Win – Flip the cards and see if you’re the lucky winner!
It’s that easy.
Pam’s Perspective
When I first saw “Tiger King”, I thought, “This can’t possibly get any stranger.” I was wrong—and that’s why I love Netflix. From tigers to chimps, there’s always another wild world to explore without leaving your couch. Enter now for your chance to win a $100 Netflix gift card and binge your heart out.