“Tiger King”

By Madeleine Ware

You have probably heard of Netflix’s new docuseries, “Tiger King.” As we settle into the novel sensation of having too much time on our hands, many of us are hungry for an escape from the mind-numbing boredom and loneliness that quarantine has brought us. “Tiger King” is that escape. 

The docuseries follows gun-toting, mullet-sporting, rainbow flag-waving Joe Exotic, a zoo owner who is known in Oklahoma for his love of tigers and somewhat questionable business practices. Joe’s sworn enemy, cool-cat Carole Baskin, is an animal rights activist in Florida with a big cat conservatory who wants nothing more than to shut Joe’s unethical business down. 

The series follows a chaotic slew of lawsuits, unsolved murders, and murder-for-hire plots. Along for the ride are a cast of other wild characters, including Doc Antle, the slimy private zoo owner who refers to himself as “Bhagavan,” or “God,” and Joe’s loveable zookeeper crew of redneck ex-cons. The drama is unpredictable, fast-paced, and utterly disturbing.

As much as the series is enjoyable and entertaining, however, it isn’t so much about big cat conservation as it is about American greed. Big cats, in American culture, are an unfortunate symbol of status and wealth, and although “Tiger King” may be great entertainment, we must always remember that at the end of the day, big cats belong in the wild, not in an overcrowded cage.