Five years after the release of the true crime documentary “Tiger King,” one of its main characters, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, is set to resolve his final legal troubles in a South Carolina courtroom. Antle, who was featured in the Netflix series, faces up to 10 years in prison for trafficking exotic animals and money laundering after pleading guilty in November 2023.
The sentencing for Antle will be decided in a federal court in Charleston, with the specifics of the prosecution’s request and any arguments for leniency from Antle’s legal team remaining undisclosed until the hearing on Tuesday morning.
Antle’s case marks the conclusion of the Tiger King saga, which gripped audiences during the peak of COVID-19 restrictions in March 2020. The documentary series delved into the world of big cat collectors and conservationists, particularly focusing on the rivalry between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin.
Joe Exotic, also known as Joseph Maldonado-Passage, is currently serving a 21-year federal prison sentence for attempting to hire individuals to kill Carole Baskin. Antle, the owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, was prominently featured in the series for his private zoo and interactions with exotic animals.
Myrtle Beach Safari, known for allowing visitors to pet and hold baby animals like lions, tigers, and monkeys, continues to operate by reservation only. Antle, who has been out on bail since his arrest in June 2022, faced federal charges post the airing of the Tiger King series.
Prosecutors alleged that Antle engaged in the illegal trafficking of cheetahs, lions, tigers, and a chimpanzee without proper documentation. Additionally, he was accused of laundering over $500,000 for illegal immigration-related activities.
The FBI’s investigation revealed Antle’s involvement in schemes to acquire and sell exotic animals, with phone call transcripts indicating his knowledge of the lucrative wildlife trade. Two of Antle’s employees were also implicated in his illegal activities and received probation sentences.
In a separate case in Virginia, Antle was convicted of wildlife trafficking charges related to lion sales but was ultimately sentenced to two years of prison, suspended upon good behavior for five years. Despite these legal battles, Antle was found not guilty of animal cruelty charges in the same Virginia trial.
As the final chapter of the Tiger King narrative unfolds in the courtroom, the repercussions of Antle’s actions in the world of exotic animal trade will soon be determined.
