Does Jeff still own GW Zoo?

Does Jeff still own GW Zoo?

As of the latest update, Jeff Lowe no longer owns GW Zoo. In June 2020, a court ruling granted control of Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (GW Zoo) to Carole Baskin, the CEO of Big Cat Rescue. This ruling came as a result of a lawsuit filed against Jeff Lowe and other parties involved in the zoo’s operations.

Jeff Lowe gained ownership of GW Zoo in 2016 after it was handed down to him by its infamous founder, Joe Exotic. Under Lowe’s ownership, the zoo faced numerous controversies, including allegations of animal neglect and abuse. The Netflix docuseries “Tiger King” shed light on these issues and brought international attention to the troubled zoo.

However, following the legal battle with Carole Baskin’s Big Cat Rescue, Jeff Lowe was ordered to vacate the premises of GW Zoo and relinquish control of the animals to Baskin. The court ruling deemed that Lowe’s management of the zoo did not meet the required standards for the welfare of the animals. While the zoo’s name has been changed to The Tiger King Park under the ownership of Carole Baskin, it is important to note that Jeff Lowe no longer owns GW Zoo.

FAQs about the ownership of GW Zoo:

1. Who is Carole Baskin?

Carole Baskin is the CEO of Big Cat Rescue, an organization dedicated to ending the private ownership and exploitation of exotic cats. She gained widespread recognition after being featured in the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King” which explored her ongoing feud with Joe Exotic.

2. How did Carole Baskin gain control of GW Zoo?

Carole Baskin filed a lawsuit against Jeff Lowe and other parties involved with GW Zoo, alleging various violations of the Endangered Species Act and claiming that the zoo was being operated for the purpose of illegal activity. The court ruled in her favor, granting her control of the zoo’s operations.

3. What changes were made after Carole Baskin took over GW Zoo?

After gaining control of GW Zoo, Carole Baskin changed the name of the zoo to The Tiger King Park. She has expressed plans to focus on providing a more humane environment for the animals and educating the public about the importance of conservation and animal welfare.

4. What happened to the animals in GW Zoo after Jeff Lowe lost ownership?

Following the court ruling, the animals at GW Zoo were placed under the care of Carole Baskin and her team from Big Cat Rescue. They are currently working on improving the living conditions for the animals and providing them with proper veterinary care and enrichment.

5. Are there any future plans for GW Zoo under Carole Baskin’s ownership?

Carole Baskin’s future plans for The Tiger King Park include transforming it into a place of education and advocacy for big cats. She aims to raise awareness about the issues surrounding the private ownership of exotic animals and promote responsible conservation efforts.

6. What impact did “Tiger King” have on the ownership of GW Zoo?

The release of the “Tiger King” documentary series on Netflix brought significant attention to the controversies surrounding GW Zoo and its owners. The increased scrutiny led to investigations, legal actions, and ultimately resulted in Carole Baskin gaining control of the zoo.

7. Is the GW Zoo still open to the public?

Under its new ownership by Carole Baskin, The Tiger King Park intends to reopen to the public once improvements to the animal enclosures and facilities have been completed. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the animals and the conservation efforts being undertaken by the park.

8. Did Jeff Lowe face any legal consequences?

Although Jeff Lowe lost ownership of GW Zoo, he still faced legal consequences for his involvement in its operations. He was ordered to pay a significant fine and was banned from owning big cats for a certain period of time. The court also placed restrictions on his future business dealings with animals.

9. Are there any other controversies surrounding GW Zoo?

Yes, apart from the ownership disputes, GW Zoo was marred by various controversies over the years. These included allegations of animal mistreatment, improper veterinary care, and illegal activities. Several former employees and animal rights organizations have raised concerns about the zoo’s practices.

10. Are there any plans to feature GW Zoo in future documentaries or media?

As of now, there are no confirmed plans to feature GW Zoo in future documentaries or media projects. However, due to the significant media attention it received through “Tiger King,” it may continue to be a topic of interest in the future.

In conclusion, Jeff Lowe no longer owns GW Zoo. After a legal battle with Carole Baskin, control of the zoo was granted to her, and it has been renamed The Tiger King Park. Carole Baskin aims to improve the living conditions for the animals and educate the public about the importance of conservation and animal welfare.