Ryan Easley, a prominent tiger handler with connections to the infamous Tiger King Series, has tragically passed away.
The news was confirmed by local media outlets, which shared how he had been mauled by one of the biggest cats under his care at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma.
The incident took place on Saturday and has shocked those familiar with Easleys’ work in wildlife conservation. Growler Pines Tiger Preserve confirmed more details about the tragedy by releasing a statement on this front, describing the attack as an accident involving the tiger under his care.
Emergency services were called to this scene, where Easley was found unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared dead.
The preserve, which Easley helped to create after his previous work with ShowMe Tigers, a traveling big cat show, has been a private facility where visitors could meet tigers and see demonstrations of how those animals were cared for and trained.
Easley was very passionate about animal welfare and dedicated his life to the protection and care of big cats. This statement that was shared, Growler mentioned how his love for wildlife and devotion to conservation was second to none. ‘He was so passionate about wildlife conservation. His love for animals, especially big cats, was evident in all aspects of his life,” he revealed.