(NewsNation) — A tiger handler in Oklahoma was fatally mauled by a tiger in his care Saturday, according to officials at the private preserve.
Ryan Easley was the operator of the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo, Oklahoma, and the mauling was described as an accident.
Easley reportedly acquired tigers for his business from Joseph Maldonado, better known as Joe Exotic, and Bhagavan “Doc” Antle. Both Antle and Maldonado were featured in the true crime television series “Tiger King.”
In a statement on Facebook, the facility said Easley’s death was an example of the unpredictable nature and risk that comes with working with wild animals.
“Ryan understood those risks — not out of recklessness but out of love,” the statement said. “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.”
In response to the mauling, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals senior director Debbie Metzler called for wild animal exhibitors to leave the business and send the big cats to accredited sanctuaries.
The preserve canceled all tours and animal encounters following Easley’s death.