Many people vividly recall when Tiger King took over social media conversations and became a cultural phenomenon. In the wake of Joe Exotic’s (birth name: Joseph Allen Maldonado) imprisonment, the fervor surrounding his life story had seemingly faded. However, he has recently resurfaced in the headlines for a significant life event—his marriage. The former zookeeper from Oklahoma announced that he has married a new partner, whom he met while serving his time behind bars. This unexpected turn of events has reignited interest in his tumultuous life and relationships.
In the following sections, we will explore the details surrounding Joe Exotic’s new husband and delve into the history of his previous marriages, shedding light on the complexities of his personal life.
Discovering the Life of Joe Exotic: The Infamous Zookeeper
Joe Exotic is a well-known media figure and entrepreneur, primarily recognized for his management of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, commonly referred to as Tiger King Park. His notoriety skyrocketed in 2019 when he was convicted on a staggering 17 federal charges related to animal abuse and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder against his competitor, Carole Baskin, who is the founder of Big Cat Rescue. Initially sentenced to 22 years in prison, Joe’s term was later reduced to 21 years, marking a significant chapter in his controversial life story.
Unveiling Joe Exotic’s New Husband: Jorge Marquez
In a surprising announcement made in April 2025, Joe Exotic shared the news of his marriage to Jorge Marquez, revealing that they had become engaged in late 2024 while both were incarcerated. This revelation not only highlights Joe’s ongoing journey but also provides a glimpse into the emotional support he has found during his time in prison.
Joe took to X to share a heartfelt image of himself and Jorge dressed in tuxedos, expressing pride and joy in his post. He wrote, “Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband Jorge Flores Maldonado,” capturing the essence of their unique bond formed under extraordinary circumstances.
On Instagram, Joe further celebrated his relationship by posting pictures of himself and Jorge, alongside a passionate plea directed to Donald Trump, seeking assistance in securing his freedom. The depth of Joe’s feelings for Jorge is evident in his social media presence, as he openly shares his hopes and aspirations for their future together.
In his emotional post, Joe expressed profound gratitude for Jorge’s unwavering support during his battle with cancer, stating, “He has gotten me through so much fighting cancer under these conditions.” He further expressed a heartfelt wish to God, hoping that Trump would grant him the opportunity to enjoy life outside of prison with Jorge before it’s too late. Joe’s words resonate with desperation and love, emphasizing the importance of their relationship amidst the challenges he faces.
In October 2024, Joe made waves on social media by announcing his engagement to Jorge through X, tweeting, “Meet Jorge Marquez he is 33. He is so amazing and is from Mexico. Now, the quest of getting married in prison and getting him asylum or we be leaving America when we both get out. Either way, I wish I would have met him long ago.” His words depict a blend of hope and longing, reflecting the complex dynamics of love and legality in his situation.
Exploring Joe Exotic’s Past Marriages: A Journey Through Love
Before entering into matrimony with Jorge in 2025, Joe Exotic had experienced two previous marriages. His first marriage was to Travis Maldonado, lasting from 2015 until 2017. Tragically, Travis died following an accidental shooting, leaving Joe to navigate the aftermath of such a devastating loss. Following this, Joe entered into a marriage with his second husband, Dillon Passage, which ended in separation in 2021. The dissolution of this relationship culminated in a finalized divorce in 2023, marking the end of another chapter in Joe’s tumultuous romantic history.
Understanding Joe Exotic’s Financial Status: Net Worth Insights
As Joe Exotic continues to serve his 21-year prison sentence, his financial situation remains bleak and unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future. As of April 2025, reports indicate that his net worth is estimated to be below zero, standing at approximately -$1 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This financial turmoil is a stark contrast to his previous notoriety and fame, highlighting the significant consequences of his legal troubles and the challenges he faces in rebuilding his life.
