Joe Exotic, born Joseph Schreibvogel, is a famous reality TV star known for the Netflix series Tiger King. He owned the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, a place full of wild animals like tigers and lions. Joe Exotic became well-known for his rivalry with Carole Baskin, who runs Big Cat Rescue.
He was convicted of animal abuse and murder-for-hire, trying to kill Carole Baskin in 2020. Exotic also ran for governor of Oklahoma in 2018 as a Libertarian. Now, Joe Exotic is serving a 21-year sentence in a federal prison, dealing with health issues like prostate cancer.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Joseph Maldonado-Passage |
| Known As | Joe Exotic |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1963 |
| Age | 62 (As of 2025) |
| Net Worth | $1 million (estimated) |
| Profession | Reality TV Star, Animal Breeder, Politician |
| Marital Status | Married to Jorge Marquez Flores (2025) |
| Previous Marriages | Dillon Passage, Travis Maldonado |
| Incarceration | Serving 21 years in the Federal Medical Center |
| Famous For | Netflix’s Tiger King, Animal Abuse Conviction |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lbs (81 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram, Twitter, and podcasts |
| New Projects | Documentary about his life, personal story |
Who is Joe Exotic
Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Schreibvogel, is a famous reality TV star known for the Netflix documentary Tiger King. He owned a big cat zoo in Oklahoma called the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, where he kept wild animals like tigers and lions. Joe became famous for his rivalry with Carole Baskin, the founder of Big Cat Rescue.
He was convicted of animal abuse and attempted murder-for-hire, trying to have Carole killed. In 2018, Joe ran for governor of Oklahoma. Currently, Joe Exotic is serving a 21-year sentence in a federal prison for his crimes.
Joe Exotic Wiki/Bio
Joe Exotic, born Joseph Schreibvogel on March 5, 1963, is a reality TV star and former big cat breeder. He became famous through the Netflix documentary Tiger King, which showed his life running the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma. He was involved in animal abuse and was convicted of paying a hitman to kill Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist.
He was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. He has been married multiple times and is known for his flamboyant personality. His story of fame, crime, and wild animals has made him a controversial figure in popular culture.
Joe Exotic’s Net Worth and Income Sources
Joe Exotic’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million despite his legal troubles. His main income sources came from running the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, where he bred and showcased big cats. Joe also earned money from his Netflix appearances in Tiger King, as well as TV royalties.
He made income through merchandise sales, selling Joe Exotic-branded items. Additionally, he performed as a country music artist and released music videos like “Here Kitty Kitty.” However, his financial status took a hit after his conviction for animal abuse and murder-for-hire charges, leading to his imprisonment.
Early Life of Joe Exotic
Joe Exotic, born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel on March 5, 1963, in Garden City, Kansas, had a difficult childhood. He grew up in a small town and faced challenges with his family. Joe always had a love for animals and worked at a pet shop in Texas before becoming a police officer.
However, his time as a police officer ended in a suicide attempt in 1985. In 1997, he started his journey in the exotic animal world by buying land and creating his first zoo. Over time, Joe built the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, which gained him attention and eventually led to his fame in the Tiger King series.
Joe Exotic Education
Joe Exotic did not have a traditional path when it came to education. He grew up in Garden City, Kansas, and attended local schools, but there isn’t much information about his academic achievements. Joe was more focused on his interests, especially his love for animals. After high school, he worked in various jobs, including as a police officer in Texas.
However, his passion for exotic animals led him to pursue a career in the world of zoos and wildlife. Although he didn’t complete higher education, Joe gained knowledge through hands-on experience while building his Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park and managing animals.
Joe Exotic Family
Joe Exotic was born to Joseph Allen Schreibvogel and his wife, Francis Schreibvogel, in Garden City, Kansas. Joe’s early family life was challenging, with a rough relationship with his siblings. He came out as gay early in life, which caused some tension with his family. He has been married multiple times.
His first husband, Brian Rhyne, passed away in 2001 due to HIV complications. Later, He married Travis Maldonado and John Finlay, though his relationships were often troubled. He was also married to Dillon Passage in 2017 before they divorced in 2023. His most recent husband is Jorge Flores Maldonado, whom he married while in prison.
Joe Exotic’s Parents
Joe Exotic’s parents were Joseph Allen Schreibvogel and Francis Schreibvogel. He was born in Garden City, Kansas, on March 5, 1963. Joe had a challenging relationship with his family, especially with his siblings. His father, Joseph, was reportedly strict, and Joe’s sexuality caused tension within the family.
Joe came out as gay when he was younger, which was difficult for some family members to accept. Despite the rocky family dynamics, Joe continued to pursue his passion for wildlife and exotic animals, eventually becoming the infamous owner of the G.W. Zoo. His family background shaped much of his later decisions and public life.
Joe Exotic’s Age
Joe Exotic was born on March 5, 1963, which makes him 63 years old as of 2026. His birth name is Joseph Allen Schreibvogel, but he is better known by his stage name, Joe Exotic. He became famous for his role as the owner of the G.W. Zoo and the star of the Netflix series, Tiger King.
Over the years, Joe’s age has played a significant role in his legal battles and health challenges. He is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence after being convicted of murder-for-hire and animal abuse. Despite his age, Joe Exotic continues to make headlines with his controversial life.
Joe Exotic Physical Stats
Joe Exotic stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His physical appearance includes blonde hair and often a mustache, which became one of his signature features, especially during his time in the spotlight on Tiger King. Joe is known for his flamboyant and unique style, often wearing colorful outfits and cowboy hats.
His tattoos also make him stand out, with one of the most noticeable being a large chest tattoo featuring a tiger. Joe’s physical stats have often been part of his public persona, especially as a reality TV star and a zoo operator, where his image became iconic in the media.
Joe Exotic’s Career
Joe Exotic is known for his career as a big-cat zoo owner and a reality TV star. He gained fame through the Netflix docuseries Tiger King, which showcased his life as the owner of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma. Joe Exotic ran the zoo, where he bred tigers and other exotic animals, making money from animal shows and selling animal-related merchandise.
Apart from his zoo, Joe also pursued a career in politics, running for governor of Oklahoma in 2018. His career took a dark turn when he was convicted of animal abuse and attempted murder-for-hire.
Joe Exotic Social Presence
Joe Exotic has a strong social media presence, especially after the success of the Tiger King documentary. He gained millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shared updates about his zoo, personal life, and political campaigns. Joe also used social media to respond to Carole Baskin, his rival, and to promote his merchandise.
Despite his incarceration, he continues to have a following, with supporters sharing his posts and calling for his release. His social media fame helped turn him into a pop culture icon, turning his controversial actions into a widely discussed topic.
Joe Exotic Recent Updates
Joe Exotic has had many recent updates that keep him in the news. He is currently serving a 21‑year federal prison sentence for animal abuse and a murder‑for‑hire plot against Carole Baskin. While in prison, Joe announced that he had married Jorge Flores Maldonado, a fellow prisoner, and shared photos of their prison wedding.
He also continues to appeal his conviction and has filed legal motions for early release due to health issues like prostate cancer. Despite being behind bars, Joe remains a pop culture figure, with social media followers and talks of new documentaries about his life and the Tiger King story.
Public Image and Its Effect on His Finances
Joe Exotic’s public image has greatly affected his finances. Known for his role in the Tiger King documentary, he became a viral pop culture icon. Despite his criminal charges, including animal abuse and attempted murder, his fame brought in money through TV royalties, merchandise sales, and social media. His controversial persona fueled public interest, with people buying Joe Exotic shirts and watching his shows.
However, his prison sentence has limited his ability to earn. His finances have also been impacted by legal issues, including his divorce from Dillon Passage and lawsuits, reducing his income sources. The media spotlight continues to shape his financial situation.
Joe Exotic House
Joe Exotic’s house was located on his exotic animal park in Oklahoma, known as the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park. The property, often referred to as the G.W. Zoo, was home to many wild animals, including tigers and lions. Joe Exotic lived there with his husbands and worked with his animals, running the zoo and breeding big cats.
The property became famous after the Tiger King documentary. After He conviction, the house and zoo were sold. The new owners changed the name and continued to run the park, though Joe’s public image still brings attention to the property.
Joe Exotic Movies and TV Shows
Joe Exotic gained widespread fame through the Netflix documentary series Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness. This docuseries showed his life as a big-cat breeder and his rivalry with Carole Baskin. The series became a viral sensation, making Joe Exotic a household name. It highlighted his time running the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, his criminal activities, and the murder-for-hire plot.
Joe also appeared in various TV interviews and documentaries about his life. His reality TV star status has led to other TV projects, including a Peacock series called Joe vs Carole, which dramatizes his life and the rivalry with Baskin.
Conclusion
Joe Exotic is a controversial figure whose life as a big-cat breeder and reality TV star has captured global attention. His involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and animal abuse charges led to his downfall and a 21-year prison sentence. Despite the criminal charges, his story has fueled documentaries and TV shows, making him an iconic yet divisive public figure.
From his Tiger King fame to his prison marriage, Joe Exotic’s life continues to intrigue and entertain, leaving a lasting impact on both popular culture and the entertainment industry.
FAQ’s
Why is Joe Exotic famous?
Joe Exotic gained fame through the Netflix documentary Tiger King, which highlights his wildlife career, criminal trial, and rivalry with Carole Baskin.
What happened to Joe Exotic?
Joe Exotic was convicted of animal abuse and attempted murder-for-hire, resulting in a 21-year prison sentence.
Is Joe Exotic still married?
Joe Exotic married Jorge Flores Maldonado while in prison. Their relationship has been highly publicized.
How old is Joe Exotic?
Joe Exotic was born on March 5, 1963, making him 63 years old as of 2026.
What is Joe Exotic’s net worth?
Joe Exotic’s net worth fluctuated over time due to his zoo operations and TV royalties. He faced significant financial losses following his legal battles.
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