United States - September 22, 2025 Ryan Easley, owner of the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve, died this weekend after being killed by a tiger at his roadside zoo. Humane World for Animals called the incident a “sad and preventable tragedy.” Easley owned at least ten tigers and previously ran the traveling ShowMe Tigers circus act. An undercover investigator spent weeks in 2017 with ShowMe Tigers and documented the violent training methods used on the animals. Records show Easley obtained young tigers from controversial operators Bhagavan “Doc” Antle and Joseph Maldonado, known as “Joe Exotic,” and even housed tigers at Maldonado’s facility during the off-season. Laura Hagen, director of captive wildlife for Humane World for Animals, said, “Ryan Easley’s death was a sad and preventable tragedy, and we hope it serves as a reminder of the danger and cruelty for other operators who still use dangerous wild animals for entertainment.” She described tigers confined to small cages and forced to perform tricks, enduring lifelong fear and stress. Even after Easley moved the tigers permanently to Growler Pines in 2021, the animals were still forced to perform for visitors. Humane World for Animals urges the public to stop supporting shows that exploit wild animals. Easley’s death joins a long history of injuries and fatalities caused by captive wild animals, including tiger and elephant attacks during circus performances. Incidents have also endangered the public, such as a tiger escaping along a school bus route in 2017, ultimately being shot by police. The organization warns that abusive training behind the scenes continues to put both humans and animals at risk.