Joe Exotic, the infamous former zookeeper currently serving a 21-year prison sentence, has made bold claims about his post-release plans from behind bars. The 62-year-old, whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado, has vowed to 'show the world the truth' through a new self-directed documentary series titled Return Of The Tiger King.
From Netflix Sensation to Federal Prison
The former G.W. Zoo owner first captured global attention nearly six years ago with the explosive Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. However, his rise to fame was followed by a dramatic fall, culminating in his 2019 conviction for two counts of murder-for-hire targeting his rival Carole Baskin. He also faced multiple federal wildlife charges related to animal abuse and killing animals under his care, resulting in a 22-year sentence later reduced to 21 years on appeal.
A Feud That Captivated Millions
The bitter rivalry between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, former CEO of the now-closed Big Cat Rescue sanctuary in Arkansas, formed the dramatic core of the Netflix series. Their public conflict escalated from online threats and trademark infringement lawsuits to what prosecutors described as a genuine murder plot. The FBI investigation revealed that in 2017, Exotic had been actively seeking someone to 'take out his rival for good', ultimately leading to his conviction after he offered $10,000 to an undercover agent.
Prison Plans for Documentary Redemption
Despite his incarceration, Exotic claims to be actively preparing his comeback project. Speaking via phone and email from prison last month, he revealed: 'When I get out of here, I am going to make "Return Of The Tiger King". We're going to show the world the truth about everything, because I have it on video tape.'
He alleges the documentary will feature unseen zoo footage revealing aspects he claims were omitted from the Netflix series, including:
- Staff behavior and working conditions at his zoo
- Medical emergencies and animal rescue operations
- What he describes as 'lies on Netflix' and 'lies at trial'
- The reality of their working environment
Reframing the Baskin Rivalry
Exotic offered a nuanced perspective on his relationship with Carole Baskin, stating: 'I don't hate Carole, I dislike her. She sued me. I sued her. She bashed me on the internet. I bashed her on the internet. That's how we made money... I never hated her. That was exaggerated for TV.'
However, he remains steadfast in his most controversial accusation against Baskin, maintaining his belief about her involvement in the 1997 disappearance of her millionaire husband Don Lewis, who was declared legally dead in 2002. Baskin has consistently denied any involvement and was never charged in connection with the case.
Regrets and Personal Consequences
The imprisoned former zookeeper expressed specific regrets about his business decisions, particularly his 2015 decision to hand over control of his failing G.W. Zoo to former business partner Jeff Lowe. 'The only thing I would change, honestly, is not let Jeff blow in my life... Scamming piece of s**t. I would not be in jail for murder for hire, and I would still have my zoo,' he reflected.
Exotic's personal life has also faced significant turmoil. Last year, his husband Jorge Flores Maldonado was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon his release from prison and subsequently deported to Mexico. Maldonado had been serving time for immigration-related offenses while Exotic continues his lengthy sentence for the murder-for-hire conviction.
The Legacy of Tiger King
The original Netflix series not only documented Exotic's exotic animal operations and his feud with Baskin but also explored broader issues within the big cat breeding industry. Exotic's promised documentary suggests he aims to reclaim his narrative and challenge the portrayal that made him an international household name, while still serving what remains of his substantial prison sentence.
