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Caretaker killed by tiger at wildlife preserve in southeastern Oklahoma

Ryan Easley, 37, died after a tiger attack during a public performance, prompting cancellation of all tours and renewed calls by PETA to end wild animal exhibitions.

  • Ryan Easley, a wildlife caretaker, was fatally injured in a tiger-related incident at a big cat sanctuary located close to Hugo, Oklahoma, on September 20, 2025.
  • The incident happened while Easley was tending to his animals, prompting the preserve in Hugo to suspend tours and animal interactions indefinitely.
  • The preserve described Easley as a passionate advocate who formed deep connections with the animals, calling the accident a painful reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
  • Joseph Maldonado, known as Joe Exotic, acknowledged Easley’s passing, while PETA criticized the preserve’s practices and called for wild animal exhibitors to end direct human interactions.
  • Following the tragedy, Growler Pines requested privacy for Easley’s family, set up a GoFundMe for support, and offered refunds on all upcoming tours.
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37-year-old Ryan Easley was fatally attacked by a tiger at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in southeastern Oklahoma, in front of his wife, daughter and audience attending the show

·France
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Lean Left

Ryan Easley, a 47-year-old trainer, was torn and killed by a tiger he was taking care of at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve, a large animal reserve in Hugo, Oklahoma. The incident, which took place Saturday, September 20, immediately triggered a wave of accusations and indignation by the PETA animalist association, which defines his death as a tragic but predictable consequence. To give the news was the same Growler Pines Tiger Preserve with a …

·Rome, Italy
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Lean Left

Joe Exotic reacts to Oklahoma tiger handler's death

·United States
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NewsChannel 8 | KTUL broke the news in Tulsa, United States on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
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