Watch Joe Exotic: Tigers, Lies and Cover-Up
- 2020
- 1 Season
-
6.3 (87)
Joe Exotic: Tigers, Lies and Cover-Up is a documentary series from Investigation Discovery that premiered in 2020. The series explores the story of Joe Exotic, a former zoo owner and convicted felon who gained nationwide attention due to his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and his ongoing feud with animal rights activist Carole Baskin.
The show features interviews with a range of individuals who were connected to Exotic, including former employees at his zoo, fellow zoo owners, and law enforcement officers who were involved in his arrest and conviction. The series also includes footage from news reports and video recordings made by Exotic himself.
In the first episode, viewers are introduced to Joe Exotic and his infamous zoo, which was located in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. The zoo was home to hundreds of animals, including tigers, lions, and other big cats, as well as other exotic animals like bears and apes. Exotic, who had no background or training in animal care, styled himself as a self-proclaimed Tiger King and became known for his outlandish personality, his flamboyant wardrobe, and his penchant for attracting media attention.
As the series progresses, viewers learn more about the controversies surrounding Joe Exotic and his zoo. One of the most significant issues was the alleged mistreatment of animals, which was documented by animal welfare organizations and former employees. Exotic was also accused of operating his zoo without proper permits and licenses and of using his animals for personal gain.
The series also delves into Exotic's feud with Carole Baskin, who is the CEO of Big Cat Rescue, an animal sanctuary in Tampa, Florida. Baskin and Exotic had a long-standing rivalry, which was fueled by Exotic's belief that Baskin was trying to shut down his zoo and her attempts to expose the mistreatment of animals in the exotic pet trade. The series explores the origins of their conflict, as well as the various schemes and tactics they used to try and outdo one another.
One of the most shocking aspects of Joe Exotic: Tigers, Lies and Cover-Up is the murder-for-hire plot that Exotic was involved in. In 2019, Exotic was found guilty of hiring a hitman to kill Carole Baskin and was subsequently sentenced to 22 years in prison. The series digs into the details of the plot, including the evidence against Exotic and the testimony from his former employees who were involved in the conspiracy.
Throughout the series, viewers are presented with a complex and often disturbing portrait of Joe Exotic and the world of exotic animal ownership. The show raises important questions about the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity, as well as the responsibilities of those who run zoos and other animal-related businesses. It also offers insight into the legal and regulatory issues surrounding the exotic pet trade and the tensions between animal rights activists and those who profit from it.
Overall, Joe Exotic: Tigers, Lies and Cover-Up is a gripping and thought-provoking series that offers a deep dive into one of the most bizarre and notorious figures in recent memory. Through a combination of interviews, archival footage, and expert commentary, the show sheds light on the many controversies and scandals surrounding Joe Exotic and the world of exotic animal ownership, leaving viewers with a newfound understanding of the complexities and challenges of this controversial industry.
Joe Exotic: Tigers, Lies and Cover-Up is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between September 27, 2020 and on Investigation Discovery