Doc Antle is unhappy with his zoo's portrayal in the popular Netflix documentary Tiger King. Since its release, the new true-crime docuseries has proven it has an appeal that goes far beyond being a program about tigers and the people who keep them. Though the series focuses on Oklahoman Joe Exotic (aka Joseph Schreibvogel, aka Joseph Maldonado-Passage) and his love for tigers, there is much, much more beneath the surface. At times unintentionally playing out like a Jared Hess film, Tiger King follows the bizarre (and true) tale of Exotic as he works to maintain his animal park, the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park.
Exotic was inspired by another wildlife entrepreneur, Doc Antle (aka Mahamayavi Bhagavan Antle aka Kevin). Unfortunately for Exotic, however, his number one competitor, Carole Baskin, is a perpetual thorn in his side. Baskin operates Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit Florida animal sanctuary. Highly critical of Exotic’s treatment and use of big cats, Baskin’s disdain for Exotic and his park comes to a dramatic end involving murder-for-hire and an attempt at killing Baskin. As a result, Exotic is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for his involvement in the fiasco.
The success of the series has left audiences wanting to know more about the colorful cast of characters. One of these characters is Exotic’s aforementioned inspiration, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle. The eccentric wildlife enthusiast (who claims to have earned a doctor of natural sciences degree from the Chinese Science Foundation), has had more than his share of negative press regarding his keeping and treatment of animals. Apparently, "Doc" is displeased, and, as Popculture points out, Antle made his feelings known about his Netflix experience in a now-deleted Instagram post. Said Antle:
"We are very disappointed that our facility was mentioned in the new Netflix series. We can only assume it is because Doc Antle has been such a high profile wildlife personality for so many decades that his association would create more buzz. It is important to understand that this series is not a documentary; it's sensationalized entertainment with paid participants. Tiger King is the bizarre story of Joe and Carole and their feud. These characters are not representative of experts in the wildlife sector or world class facilities like ours here in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach Safari has been recognized by the state of South Carolina as one of the pre-eminent wildlife facilities in the United States. We've also received international accolades for the critical role we provide with our qualified, captive breeding programs and our global conservation efforts of threatened and endangered species.
Myrtle Beach Safari adheres to all USDA guidelines, and our animals are treated with the utmost care. We have never had a USDA violation and work collaboratively with various state and federal wildlife agencies to ensure our animals receive the very best life each and every day. Over the decades we have heard every sort of fantasy scenario regarding our facility. Many of these less-than-flattering mistruths have been manufactured by those in the animal rights movement that oppose animal ambassador programs of any sort. In the end, we hope you will come visit us and judge for yourself. Every visitor to our facility quickly recognizes the magical place we have created. We remain open during these challenging times with both Day and Night Safari options. Our tours are held outdoors and our 50 acre preserve provides plenty of area for social distance."
The deleted statement concluded with Antle providing a photo of staff and a chimpanzee, as well as Myrtle Beach Safari’s website information so that those interested in the park could book a tour. Antle’s statement insists that the state of South Carolina has recognized MBS as one of the “pre-eminent wildlife facilities in the United States.” Still, animal rights organization PETA has long since contended that Antle and his park have failed to provide animals with adequate veterinary care or space in their cages.
At present, it remains to be seen just how credible Antle is. The Netflix series associated his wildlife park with such a bizarre collection of people it’s difficult to see anyone taking him seriously. That being said, there’s sure to be a certain number who will watch Tiger King and make a point of visiting Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari. The park is yet to be found guilty of any misdoings, but Antle’s recent message, as well as Tiger King’s continued success, is likely to bring a new degree of scrutiny.
Source: Popculture
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