Zoo handler killed by huge tiger as tourists including his wife and daughter watched in horror

Alsharq Tribune- Hany Yosef 

A zookeeper and tiger handler was mauled to death by one of the giant beasts in his care in front of a crowd of horrified tourist, which included his wife and young daughter.

Ryan Easley was just 37 when he was fatally attacked at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo, not far from the Texas border, in September last year.

The father, who was an associate of Tiger King Joe Exotic, was nearing the end of the Big cat show at the attraction when the tiger pounced.

Those watching the show, which was being held at the private zoo where guests can book guided tours to see the tigers and other big cats up close and also watch the training show, said at the time that the animal unexpectedly started to bite Ryan and then shock him while they were both locked inside a training cage.

Emergency services were called immediately and arrived just a few minutes later but by the time they got there, Ryan was already dead.

Choctaw county sheriff, Terry Park, said: "It was a big tiger.

This particular one – he’d had for quite some time." In a statement, posted to Facebook at the time of Ryan's death, the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve said: "It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic loss of Ryan Easley, who lost his life in an accident involving a tiger under his care at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve on September 20th, 2025.

"Ryan was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. His love for animals, especially Big Cats, was evident in every aspect of his life.

He dedicated his life to the protection and care of these magnificent animals, and he believed deeply in the mission of Growler Pines- to provide a safe and forever enriching home for the animals under his care. "Growler Pines was more than just a place of work for Ryan, it was his calling, his passion and his life's purpose.

His courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to wildlife will never be forgotten.

"This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. Ryan understood those risks- not out of recklessness but out of love.

The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with- one rooted in respect, daily care and love.

"His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the animals he protected and the example he set for others who dedicate their lives to working with wildlife." Growler Pines was Tiger Preserve had originally been founded as a ShowMe Tigers, which was described on the website as a travelling Big Cat show.

However, the website claimed it had now transformed its focus to conservation and was a full-time home for the tigers where people could learn about the animals.

Following Ryan's death several animal rights organisations highlighted the tragedy as an reminder of the very real dangers posed by keeping wild animals in captivity.

Debbie Metzler, the Peta foundation’s senior director of captive wildlife, said: "It was really only a matter of time before these cats responded in way that is completely natural to them, which is to use aggression to respond to a stressor."

In December last year the Chief Medical Examiner in Tulsa said Ryan had died after suffering from blunt forced, sharp forced and crushing injuries sustained in the mauling by a tiger. His death was deemed to be an accident.