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On January 22, 2020, the notorious Oklahoma-based zookeeper Joe Exotic received a significant sentence of 22 years in prison due to his involvement in a plot to murder an animal rights activist. This activist, who dedicated her efforts to dismantle his controversial business, became the target of Joe’s desperate actions. Now, at 57 years old, his tumultuous life story is captivating audiences through Netflix’s gripping docu-series, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem & Madness, which premiered on March 20, 2020, and has since become a cultural phenomenon.
This docu-series serves as an ideal form of entertainment as many find themselves self-isolating during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The extraordinary narrative presented is not merely fictional but is, in fact, a true story filled with bizarre twists and turns. Currently incarcerated, Joe Exotic, whose legal name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is characterized by his eccentric persona complete with a flamboyant blond mullet. He has a deep affinity for big cats, such as lions and tigers, which he once showcased at his own zoo, the Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park. However, his life took a downward spiral when his obsession with Carole Baskin, the founder of Big Cat Rescue, became increasingly intense. Carole led fierce protests against Joe’s ownership of exotic animals, fueling a bitter online rivalry that escalated into a failed murder-for-hire scheme, ultimately leading to Joe’s imprisonment. Here’s everything you need to know about Joe Exotic and his incredible saga:
Joe Exotic Found Guilty of Murder-for-Hire: The Shocking Verdict
In a sensational trial, Joe Exotic was convicted of two counts of murder-for-hire after a jury determined he had paid a man $3,000 to travel to Florida with the intention of killing Carole Baskin. Additionally, he faced charges for eight counts of violating the Lacey Act for falsifying wildlife records and nine counts of violating the Endangered Species Act. The Justice Department accused him of the heinous act of killing five tigers in October 2017, allegedly to create space for other exotic animals he wished to house.
Political Aspirations: Joe’s Bizarre Presidential Run
In a surprising twist, Joe Exotic decided to enter the political arena, running for president in 2016 and later for governor of Oklahoma in 2018. In a campaign video that aired on Last Week Tonight With John Oliver in October 2016, he famously stated, “First thing is, I’m not cutting my hair. I’m not changing the way I dress. I refuse to wear a suit… I am gay. I’ve had two boyfriends most of my life… I am broke as s***.” His unconventional approach and candidness captivated many, adding to his notoriety.
The Pursuit of Fame: Joe Exotic’s Reality Television Dream
Joe Exotic was not just a zookeeper; he was a man on a mission to achieve fame. He hosted his own online series and filmed content for a reality TV show that he intended to pitch to various networks. In addition to these ventures, tourists visiting his zoo could purchase a variety of unique merchandise, including novelty condoms emblazoned with his likeness. Joe’s desire for stardom was evident in every aspect of his life.
Aspirations of a Country Music Career: Joe’s Musical Journey
The docu-series features several of Joe’s music videos, showcasing his aspirations as a country music artist. His songs, including fan favorites like “I Saw A Tiger” and “Here Kitty Kitty,” highlight his quest for fame beyond the animal kingdom, as he attempted to make a name for himself in the music industry.
Unconventional Marriages: Joe’s Unique Relationship History
In a remarkable display of his unconventional lifestyle, Joe Exotic married both Travis Maldonado and John Finlay simultaneously in 2014, as reported by Texas Monthly. The trio donned matching pink shirts and black jeans for their wedding ceremony. However, the relationships were turbulent; Joe and John eventually parted ways, while Travis tragically died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in October 2017. Just two months later, Joe entered into a marriage with Dillon Passage, which ultimately ended in divorce in 2023.
As of 2025, Joe Exotic, still serving his sentence, announced he has remarried, this time to a fellow inmate named Jorge Flores Maldonado. He proudly shared a post on X, introducing his partner with the statement, “Never been more proud of someone. Meet my husband, Jorge Flores Maldonado.”
