Joe Exotic, the flamboyant and controversial former zoo operator and reality TV star, once reveled in the fame and attention his unique lifestyle afforded him. Known for his role in the hit Netflix series “Tiger King,” which brought his complex personality and legal battles into the global spotlight, Exotic’s net worth has been significantly impacted by his legal woes and health issues.
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Joe Exotic Net Worth
Joe Exotic, the American former zoo operator and reality TV personality turned convicted felon, has a net worth of -$1 million as of 2024. His financial downturn is stark, with liabilities exceeding his assets, reflecting his controversial life and legal battles. In January 2020, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison on charges including two counts of murder-for-hire and numerous violations related to big cats, which have contributed to his negative net worth.
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Who is Joe Exotic?
Joseph Allen Maldonado, better known as Joe Exotic and famously dubbed “The Tiger King,” is a notable American media personality and convicted felon who ran the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma until 2018. His career spanned from law enforcement to zookeeping, and he dabbled in politics with a presidential run in 2016.
Exotic’s life took a dramatic turn when he was convicted in 2019 for animal abuse and a murder-for-hire plot against Carole Baskin, leading to a 22-year prison sentence, later reduced by one year. He remains a controversial figure, highlighted by the global success of the Netflix series “Tiger King,” which catapulted him into social media fame and inspired numerous memes, documentaries, and a drama TV series.
Early Life
Joseph Allen Schreibvogel, better known as Joe Exotic, was born on March 5, 1963, in Garden City, Kansas, to Francis and Shirley Schreibvogel, growing up as one of five siblings. The family later relocated to Texas, where Joe attended Pilot Point High School, eventually joining the Eastvale police department and achieving the rank of chief.
Joe’s life took a tumultuous turn when he was outed as gay by his brother, leading to a strained relationship with his father, who demanded a promise from Joe not to attend his own funeral. In 1985, Joe experienced a severe car crash, which he has alternatively described as a suicide attempt and an attack related to a drug investigation, though these claims remain contested.
Career
Following a serious auto accident, Joe Exotic moved to Florida, where his interactions with baby lions at a friend’s safari park ignited his passion for working with animals. He returned to Texas, embarking on a series of jobs before opening a pet store with his brother in Arlington, and after his brother’s tragic death, he used the insurance money to purchase a farm in Oklahoma, transforming it into the Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park.
The acquisition of his first tigers in 2000 marked the beginning of his career as a zookeeper, leading to the opening of the G.W. Zoo, which he operated for over two decades, during which he also attempted to become a country music singer, producing albums and music videos. Despite only suggesting song topics and contributing some backing vocals, Exotic portrayed himself as the performer of the music credited to him, gaining notoriety for his song “I Saw a Tiger”. His involvement in documentary films and the Netflix series “Tiger King” catapulted him to viral fame, further complicating his already colorful and controversial public persona.
Additionally, Exotic ventured into professional wrestling as a commentator and engaged in various entrepreneurial efforts, including launching a cryptocurrency and an NFT auction to support his legal defense and charity. Despite his fame, Exotic’s outlook on animal captivity evolved while in prison, expressing regret over keeping animals in cages, a sentiment reflecting a profound change in his perspective on wildlife conservation.
What Are Joe Exotic’s Crimes?
Joe Exotic, has faced numerous accusations of animal abuse, including the illegal killing of emus and feeding donated horses to his big cats, actions that sparked legal scrutiny and USDA violations. His feud with Carole Baskin, marked by mutual accusations and legal battles, escalated to Exotic’s attempts to tarnish her reputation through social media and even hiring a hitman, leading to his conviction.
Exotic also engaged in questionable business practices, such as misleadingly branding his traveling animal show to mimic Baskin’s sanctuary, which resulted in a $1 million settlement awarded to Baskin for trademark infringement.
In 2015, legal actions further complicated his life when it was determined he fraudulently transferred zoo ownership to avoid debt, leading to Baskin acquiring the zoo. Exotic’s legal troubles culminated in a 22-year prison sentence in 2020 for murder-for-hire plots against Baskin and violations of wildlife laws, though he continues to assert his innocence and seek a new trial.
How many times did Joe Exotic get married?
Joe Exotic, the controversial figure from Netflix’s “Tiger King,” has been married five times, including a polygamous relationship with John Finlay and Travis Maldonado. His marriages began with Brian Rhyne in the late 1980s and followed by J.C. Hartpence, with both relationships not being legally recognized due to the laws at the time.
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The series showcases Joe’s complex personal life alongside his career as a zookeeper and roadshow entertainer, highlighting his marriages as part of his flamboyant and unconventional lifestyle. After Travis Maldonado’s tragic death, Joe married Dillon Passage, marking his fifth husband, though they sought a divorce in 2021.
Where is Joe Exotic now?
Joe Exotic is currently serving a revised 21-year sentence in a Fort Worth federal prison, following a reduction from his initial 22-year sentence for a murder-for-hire plot against Carole Baskin. Despite being in prison, Joe Exotic has remained in the public eye, announcing a 2024 presidential bid as a libertarian, though his campaign has been criticized by the Libertarian Party’s chair.
His personal life has also seen changes, with a split from his fifth husband, Dillon Passage, in 2021. Additionally, Exotic has continued to make headlines, recently taunting former President Donald Trump on Twitter over a missed opportunity for a presidential pardon.
How did Joe Exotic get injured?
Joe Exotic sustained significant injuries from a car crash in 1985, leading to a lengthy hospital stay and years of rehabilitation, and he has claimed to have suffered four heart attacks during his time as a zookeeper. In April 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Exotic was moved to a Federal Medical Center for quarantine as a safety precaution, though it was later confirmed he did not contract the virus.
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Throughout 2021, Exotic faced several health issues, including an unverified medical condition, and a blood-immune disorder, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he reported might have spread. His health struggles led to his transfer to Federal Medical Center, Butner in North Carolina for cancer treatment.
Conclusion
As of 2024, Joe Exotic’s net worth stands at a reported -$1 million, a stark contrast to the wealth he once portrayed. His financial decline is a direct consequence of his extensive legal battles, including a murder-for-hire plot, and the costs associated with his ongoing healthcare needs while incarcerated.
FAQs about Joe Exotic
- What is Joe Exotic’s real name?
- Joe Exotic was born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel.
- How many times has Joe Exotic been married?
- Joe Exotic has had five husbands.
- What sentence is Joe Exotic currently serving?
- Joe Exotic is serving a revised 21-year sentence for a murder-for-hire plot.
- Has Joe Exotic run for any public office?
- Yes, Joe Exotic announced a 2024 presidential bid as a libertarian.
- What health issues has Joe Exotic faced?
- Joe Exotic has suffered from a blood-immune disorder and was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
