50 Facts About Joe Exotic

Early Life and Family Background

Joe Exotic's life began in a small town, but his journey took many unexpected turns. Let's dive into his early years and family dynamics.

1. Joe Exotic was born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel on March 5, 1963, in Garden City, Kansas.
2. His parents, Francis and Shirley Schreibvogel, had five children: Tamara, Pamela, Yarri, Garold "G.W." Wayne, and Joe.
3. At age 14, Joe's family moved to Pilot Point, Texas, where they lived on a large ranch with an eight-bedroom house.
4. Joe and his older brother Garold shared a deep love for animals, often watching nature shows and participating in Future Farmers of America.

Career Beginnings and Personal Struggles

Joe's early career and personal life were marked by significant challenges and changes.

5. After high school graduation in 1982, Joe briefly served as the chief of police in Eastvale, Texas, at just 19 years old.
6. Joe was outed as homosexual by his estranged older brother Yarri, leading to a strained relationship with his father.
7. In 1985, a severe car crash left Joe badly injured, prompting him to leave law enforcement.
8. Joe and his brother Garold opened a pet store in Texas in 1989, but after Garold's death in 1997, Joe sold the store and bought a ranch in Wynnewood, Oklahoma.

Founding and Expansion of G.W. Zoo

Joe's passion for animals led to the creation of a zoo that would become infamous.

9. Joe founded the Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park, known as the G.W. Zoo, in memory of his brother.
10. The zoo started with a small collection of animals but quickly grew, housing over a thousand animals by the early 2000s.
11. To support the zoo, Joe expanded his business ventures, selling branded skin care products, alcohol, and condoms in the zoo’s gift shop.
12. He also opened a bar called Safari Bar and a pizza joint named Zooters.

Public Persona and Media Ventures

Joe's eccentric personality and media presence played a significant role in his rise to fame.

13. Joe participated in magic shows and cub-petting events across the U.S., using stage names like “Aarron Alex,” “Cody Ryan,” and “Joe Exotic.”
14. He worked with producer Rick Kirkham to create a reality TV series about himself, but most footage was destroyed in a 2015 fire.
15. In 2016, Joe ran as an independent candidate in the U.S. presidential election, later running for Governor of Oklahoma in 2018 as a Libertarian candidate.

Feud with Carole Baskin

Joe's rivalry with Carole Baskin became a central theme in his life and eventual downfall.

16. Joe's feud with Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue in Florida, revolved around animal welfare and business practices.
17. In 2011, Carole sued Joe for trademark infringement, alleging he used her company's name to attract visitors to his zoo.
18. After the lawsuit, Joe declared bankruptcy and handed over the G.W. Zoo to Jeff Lowe, another big cat enthusiast with a criminal background.

Legal Troubles and Conviction

Joe's legal issues culminated in a dramatic arrest and conviction.

19. Despite no longer owning the zoo, Joe remained on the property and continued public activities, including running for public office.
20. In 2017, Joe attempted to have Carole Baskin killed by paying an employee to complete the task. The employee ran off with the money, but the FBI was already investigating Joe for animal abuse and the murder-for-hire plot.
21. In June 2018, Joe left the G.W. Zoo and was arrested three months later on suspicion of hiring men to murder Carole Baskin.
22. In 2019, he was convicted on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of attempted murder for hire.
23. Joe was sentenced to 22 years in prison in January 2020, but a U.S. appeals court later reduced his sentence to 21 years.

Health Issues and Political Aspirations

Even behind bars, Joe's life continued to be eventful.

24. In May 2021, Joe announced he had prostate cancer, later reporting it might have spread to his pelvis.
25. In March 2023, Joe announced his candidacy for President of the United States as a Democrat, withdrawing from the Libertarian primary.

Personal Relationships and Polygamy

Joe's personal life was as colorful as his public persona.

26. Joe was married to Travis Maldonado from 2015 until Travis's death in 2017.
27. He later married Dillon Passage in December 2017, but they separated in 2021.
28. Joe was involved in several polygamous relationships, including with Brian Rhyne from 1986 to 2001 and JC Hartpence from 2002 to 2003.

Animal Welfare Controversies

Joe's treatment of animals drew significant criticism and legal action.

29. Joe faced substantial criticism for the treatment of animals at the G.W. Zoo, accused of animal abuse and neglect.
30. Despite the zoo’s popularity, Joe faced significant financial struggles, declaring bankruptcy multiple times and relying on donations.

Media Representation and Public Image

Joe's story captivated audiences worldwide, thanks to various media portrayals.

31. Joe has been featured in several documentaries, including Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.
32. Known for his eccentric appearance, including a blond mullet and various tattoos, Joe became a local celebrity through highway billboards in Texas and Oklahoma.
33. Despite his controversies, Joe maintained a dedicated fan base, with supporters writing letters to the prison, leading to him being moved to a more comfortable cell with a window.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Joe Exotic's life serves as a cautionary tale and continues to fascinate the public.

34. The Netflix documentary Tiger King brought Joe’s story to a global audience, sparking widespread interest in his life and the world of big cat ownership.
35. Joe's public perception is complex, with some viewing him as a charismatic figure who cared about animals, while others see him as a ruthless businessman exploiting both humans and animals.
36. Joe was a vocal critic of animal rights activists, seeing them as threats to his business, with his feud with Carole Baskin emblematic of this broader conflict.
37. In addition to the zoo, Joe operated a bar called Safari Bar and a pizza joint named Zooters.
38. Joe's magic shows were a significant part of his career, performing at malls and fairs across Texas, Oklahoma, and even as far north as Green Bay, Wisconsin.
39. Joe's experience with traveling animal shows taught him that these events could be lucrative, leading him to stage his own shows.
40. Joe maintained an online presence through various social media platforms and his own talk show, helping him build a dedicated fan base and promote his business ventures.
41. Joe had a complicated relationship with Jeff Lowe, who took over the G.W. Zoo after Joe declared bankruptcy.
42. Joe faced numerous legal troubles throughout his life, including charges related to animal abuse and murder-for-hire plots.
43. Despite his legal issues, Joe continued to make public appearances and engage in political activities, running for public office multiple times.
44. Joe's fans have been vocal in their support, writing letters to the prison, leading to him being moved to a more comfortable cell with a window.
45. In addition to his prostate cancer diagnosis, Joe faced health concerns related to his age and prison conditions.
46. Joe's legacy is complex, remembered for his eccentric persona and business ventures, but also criticized for his treatment of animals and involvement in illegal activities.
47. Joe's story continues to captivate audiences through various media outlets, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of animal welfare.
48. Joe's public statements often expressed his love for his husband Dillon Passage and acknowledged the importance of responsible behavior.
49. Despite his legal troubles and health concerns, Joe remains a figure of public interest, symbolizing both the allure and danger of big cat ownership.
50. Joe's life is a fascinating yet disturbing tale of ambition, eccentricity, and tragedy, marked by controversy and legal issues, ultimately leading to his downfall.

The Wild Ride of Joe Exotic

Joe Exotic's life is a whirlwind of eccentricity, controversy, and tragedy. From his early days in law enforcement to becoming the infamous "Tiger King," Joe's journey is anything but ordinary. His deep love for animals, coupled with his unconventional business ventures, made him a local celebrity and a global sensation thanks to the Netflix documentary Tiger King. However, his feud with Carole Baskin, legal troubles, and a murder-for-hire plot led to his downfall and eventual imprisonment. Despite his legal issues and health concerns, Joe Exotic remains a figure of public interest, symbolizing both the allure and danger of big cat ownership. His story serves as a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition and the importance of animal welfare. Joe Exotic's legacy is complex, captivating audiences worldwide and leaving a lasting impact on popular culture.