The Tiger King is a nickname for Joe Exotic, a former zookeeper and big cat breeder who became the subject of a popular Netflix documentary series called “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.”
Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, owned and operated the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, which housed a large number of big cats, including tigers, lions, and ligers. He gained a reputation for his flamboyant personality, his love of animals, and his ongoing feud with animal rights activists, whom he believed were trying to shut down his business.
The nickname “Tiger King” was given to Joe Exotic because of his obsession with tigers and his status as a prominent figure in the world of exotic animal breeding and exhibition. He often referred to himself as the Tiger King and used the name to promote his business and personal brand.
However, the documentary series also delves into the darker side of Joe Exotic’s life and business, including allegations of animal abuse, mistreatment of his employees, and a murder-for-hire plot against an animal rights activist. As a result, the term “Tiger King” has taken on a more complex and controversial meaning in popular culture.