Joe Exotic’s G.W. Zoo: The Notorious Tiger King Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma

Joe Exotic, known professionally asJoe Exotic, is a figure from the 2020 Netflix documentary series Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness. His famous zoo, G.W. Zoo, was located in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. The zoo's journey from its inception to its closure is a tale of criminal activities, controversy, and public fascination.

Founding and Initial Success

The G.W. Zoo was founded in 1999 by Joe Schreibvogel, a man who later changed his name to Joe Exotic. Initially, the zoo was called the Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park, named after Exotic's late husband. Over the years, the zoo flourished, becoming a place where over 1,000 animals, including tigers, lions, bears, and monkeys, were housed. The zoo's prominence in the animal care industry, however, came with significant challenges and criticisms.

Controversies and Notoriety

Despite its growth, the G.W. Zoo was unlicensed by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and frequently cited for animal abuse. The zoo's reputation was significantly tarnished in 2018 when Joe Exotic was arrested for attempting to hire a hitman to kill Carole Baskin, the owner of Big Cat Rescue, a competing animal sanctuary.

Conviction and Closure

Exotic's criminal activities led to a series of trials and convictions. In 2019, he was convicted of the murder-for-hire charges and sentenced to 22 years in prison. In the same year, the zoo was ordered to close, marking the end of an era for both the establishment and its controversial owner.

The Legacy of G.W. Zoo

The closure of the G.W. Zoo resulted in the relocation of its animals to other facilities. Today, the location where the zoo once stood in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, serves as a reminder of the animal rights controversies and public fascination that surrounded this infamous zoo.

Conclusion

Joe Exotic’s G.W. Zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, was not only a physical location but a symbol of the limitations and ethical concerns surrounding animal care and conservation. Through its rise and fall, the zoo's story continues to captivate and educate audiences worldwide, highlighting the importance of responsible animal management and the protection of wildlife.

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