Latest ‘Tiger King’ twist finds ‘Doc’ Antle facing possible prison sentence for animal trafficking
Five years after the release of the true crime documentary “Tiger King,” one of its main characters, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, is facing the final legal consequences of his actions. Antle, who appeared in the Netflix series, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to charges of trafficking exotic animals and money laundering. He could potentially face up to 10 years in prison for his crimes, with his sentencing taking place in a federal court in Charleston, South Carolina.
The sentencing hearing on Tuesday morning will determine the fate of Antle, with the public unaware of the specific punishment prosecutors are seeking or any arguments for leniency from his defense team. This marks the conclusion of the legal saga surrounding Antle, following the convictions of three others involved in his investigation who received probation or short prison sentences.
The “Tiger King” documentary captivated audiences in 2020, shedding light on the world of big cat collectors and conservationists. The show focused on the rivalry between Joe Exotic, a zookeeper from Oklahoma, and Carole Baskin, the founder of Big Cat Rescue in Florida. Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is currently serving a lengthy federal prison sentence for attempting to hire individuals to kill Baskin.
Antle, the owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, featured prominently in the documentary series, showcasing his private zoo where visitors could interact with baby animals like lions, tigers, and monkeys. His zoo offered experiences such as petting and holding the animals for a fee, with Antle sometimes making grand entrances on an elephant during tours.
Despite his legal troubles, Myrtle Beach Safari remains operational, requiring reservations for visitors. Antle has been out on bail since his arrest in 2022, with his federal charges stemming from the aftermath of the “Tiger King” series.
Prosecutors alleged that Antle engaged in the illegal trade of cheetahs, lions, tigers, and a chimpanzee without proper documentation. Additionally, he was accused of money laundering in a separate scheme involving over $500,000 used to facilitate illegal entry into the U.S. for labor purposes. The FBI intercepted phone calls where Antle discussed the high costs of acquiring exotic animals and the challenges of handling cash transactions.
Several individuals connected to Antle’s operations have already been sentenced for their roles in the illegal activities, including selling animals and assisting with money laundering. Despite facing previous convictions related to wildlife trafficking and animal cruelty, Antle’s upcoming sentencing will bring closure to his turbulent legal journey.
As the final chapter of the “Tiger King” saga unfolds in the courtroom, the legacy of the documentary and its colorful cast of characters continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
