"Joe Exotic", born Joseph Allen Maldonado, is an American media personality known for running the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma for nearly two decades. His eccentric personality and involvement with big cats garnered significant media attention, making him a well-known figure in popular culture.
March 5, 1963: Birth of Joe Exotic
On March 5, 1963, Joseph Allen Maldonado, later known as Joe Exotic, was born.
1982: Promotion to Chief of Police
Joe Exotic was promoted to chief of police in Eastvale in 1982.
1985: Joe Exotic's Accident and Recovery
Joe Exotic recounted experiencing a car crash in 1985, resulting in a month-long hospital stay followed by several years of rehabilitation. He also claimed to have suffered four heart attacks during his time as a zookeeper.
1985: Car Crash and Conflicting Accounts
Joe Exotic was involved in a car crash in 1985, but his accounts of the incident have varied over time.
1986: Opening of First Pet Shop
Joe Exotic and his brother opened their first pet shop in Arlington, Texas, in 1986.
1997: Closing of Pet Store and Brother's Death
Following the death of his brother in 1997, Joe Exotic sold his pet store.
1997: Disappearance of Don Lewis
In 1997, Don Lewis, the second husband of Carole Baskin, disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
1997: Conflict with Arlington Officials and Brother's Death
In 1997, Joe Exotic faced conflict with Arlington officials over code violations at his pet shop. That same year, his brother died in a car accident.
February 1999: Joe Exotic's Involvement in Emu Incident
In February 1999, Joe Exotic volunteered to capture neglected emus in Red Oak, Texas. The situation became overwhelming, leading to the killing of some emus, which resulted in accusations of animal cruelty. However, a grand jury declined to indict Exotic.
1999: Founding of the G.W. Zoo
Joe Exotic opened the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (G.W. Zoo) in 1999.
1999: Niece Begins Working at G.W. Zoo
Joe Exotic's niece, Chealsi Putman, began working at the G.W. Zoo in 1999, marking the start of her involvement in the family business. Her employment provided her with firsthand experience of the operations and her uncle's practices, later informing her critical stance.
2000: Acquisition of First Tigers and First Animal Rescue
Joe Exotic acquired his first two tigers in 2000. He also claimed that his first animal rescue was an alligator with an eye infection.
2000: Joe Exotic Feeds Horses to Big Cats at Zoo
Joe Exotic began feeding donated horses to his big cats at the zoo in 2000 to sustain their dietary needs. He would shoot the horses and feed them whole to the animals, raising concerns about animal welfare.
2001: Death of Brian Rhyne
In 2001, Joe Exotic experienced the loss of his partner, Brian Rhyne, due to complications from HIV. This event marked a period of personal grief amidst the challenges of running his zoo and navigating personal relationships.
2002: Don Lewis Declared Legally Dead
Don Lewis was declared legally dead in 2002, five years after his disappearance. While no evidence linked Carole Baskin to the disappearance, suspicions and theories persisted.
2002: Start of Magic Shows and Cub-Petting Events
Joe Exotic began incorporating tigers into magic shows in 2002. He later shifted to cub-petting events and adopted the stage name "Joe Exotic."
2003: Relationship with John Finlay
Joe Exotic's relationship with John Finlay began in 2003 when Finlay was hired as an employee at the G.W. Zoo. This marked the beginning of their romantic involvement, which unfolded against a backdrop of Exotic's tumultuous personal life and the complexities of the zoo environment.
2006: G.W. Zoo Cited for Animal Welfare Act Violations
The G.W. Zoo, owned by Joe Exotic, faced multiple citations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2006 for violations of Animal Welfare Act standards, raising concerns about the treatment of animals under his care.
2006: Dedication of the Steve Irwin Memorial
Following Steve Irwin's death in 2006, Joe Exotic named an alligator complex at the G.W. Zoo in his honor.
2009: Start of Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin's Feud
The feud between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin started in 2009 when Baskin's Big Cat Rescue organization targeted Exotic's traveling cub petting shows, aiming to end commercial cub petting in the United States.
September 2010: Joe Exotic Escalates Feud with Carole Baskin
Joe Exotic's feud with Carole Baskin intensified in September 2010 when he covertly visited Big Cat Rescue, hired a helicopter to survey the property, and published excerpts from Baskin's stolen diary online.
2010: Joe Exotic's Entry into the World of Wrestling
Joe Exotic's involvement in wrestling began in 2010 when he met wrestling promoter Robert Langdon. This meeting marked the start of his appearances as a commentator and host for wrestling events.
2011: Joe Exotic's Appearance in "America's Most Dangerous Pets"
Joe Exotic made his first documentary appearance in Louis Theroux's "America's Most Dangerous Pets" in 2011.
2011: Joe Exotic's Appearance in "America's Most Dangerous Pets"
Joe Exotic was featured in Louis Theroux's documentary "America's Most Dangerous Pets" in 2011.
2011: Trademark Infringement Lawsuit
Joe Exotic's use of the "Big Cat Rescue Entertainment" brand, mimicking Carole Baskin's Big Cat Rescue, resulted in a trademark infringement lawsuit in 2011. Baskin won the lawsuit, significantly impacting Exotic's financial standing and leading to his eventual bankruptcy.
December 2013: Travis Maldonado Arrives at the Zoo
Travis Maldonado became part of the zoo's community in December 2013 and quickly entered a relationship with Joe Exotic, ultimately leading to an unofficial three-partner wedding ceremony with Exotic and Finlay within a month.
2014: Joe Exotic's Foray into Professional Wrestling Commentary
From 2014 to 2018, Joe Exotic periodically worked as a professional wrestling commentator, beginning his involvement in 2010 after meeting promoter Robert Langdon. He provided color commentary for NWA Texoma events, streamed on his YouTube channel.
2014: Release of "I Saw a Tiger"
Joe Exotic released his debut studio album, "I Saw a Tiger," in 2014.
March 26, 2015: Fire at G.W. Zoo
On March 26, 2015, a fire engulfed the G.W. Zoo, destroying significant structures and resulting in the death of numerous animals. The incident, attributed to arson, remains unsolved, although suspicions fell upon disgruntled employees or individuals associated with animal rights groups.
2015: Lawsuit Over Asset Transfer
Carole Baskin initiated legal action against Joe Exotic's mother, Shirley, in 2015 regarding the transfer of assets belonging to Exotic or the G.W. Zoo. This legal maneuvering highlighted the ongoing financial and legal battles between Exotic and Baskin.
2015: Joe Exotic Marries Travis Maldonado
In 2015, Joe Exotic legally married Travis Maldonado, officially changing his legal name to Joseph Maldonado.
2015: Fire Destroys Reality Show Footage
In 2015, a fire destroyed footage intended for Joe Exotic's reality television series.
2015: Release of "Star Struck"
Joe Exotic released his second studio album, "Star Struck," in 2015.
2016: Joe Exotic's Independent Presidential Run
Joe Exotic ran as an independent candidate in the 2016 US presidential election, gaining ballot access in Colorado. During his campaign, he uploaded videos addressing Donald Trump, criticizing politicians and animal rights activists.
2016: Joe Exotic's Presidential Run
Joe Exotic ran as an independent candidate in the 2016 presidential election.
2016: Joe Exotic Featured on "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver"
Joe Exotic was featured on "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" in 2016 during his presidential campaign. John Oliver praised the production of Exotic's music videos and even coined the campaign slogan "Make America Exotic Again."
2016: Joe Exotic Loses Presidential Election
Joe Exotic lost the 2016 US presidential election after running as an independent candidate. His defeat marked the end of his bid for the White House.
2016: Joe Exotic's Support for Donald Trump
During the 2016 US presidential election, Joe Exotic openly supported Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton, aligning himself with the Republican candidate.
January 13, 2017: Joe Exotic Files to Run for President in 2020 Libertarian Primaries
On January 13, 2017, Joe Exotic filed with the Federal Election Commission to run for president in the 2020 Libertarian Party presidential primaries, signaling his continued political ambitions.
June 1, 2017: Joe Exotic Shifts Focus to Oklahoma Gubernatorial Race
On June 1, 2017, Joe Exotic filed to run in the 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial election, ending his 2020 presidential campaign to concentrate on the state-level race.
October 6, 2017: Travis Maldonado's Death
Tragically, on October 6, 2017, Travis Maldonado died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the zoo, witnessed by Joshua Dial, Joe Exotic's campaign manager.
2017: Niece Stops Working at G.W. Zoo
Chealsi Putman ceased working at the G.W. Zoo in 2017 after years of involvement in the family business. Her departure coincided with the escalating legal troubles and controversies surrounding Joe Exotic and the zoo's practices.
June 2018: Joe Exotic Leaves G.W. Zoo
Joe Exotic left the G.W. Zoo in June 2018.
June 18, 2018: Joe Exotic Leaves G.W. Zoo
Joe Exotic left his position at the G.W. Zoo on June 18, 2018.
2018: Joe Exotic's Libertarian Gubernatorial Run and Censure
Joe Exotic ran for Governor of Oklahoma in the 2018 Libertarian Party primary. However, he finished last and was officially censured by the Oklahoma Libertarian Party during his campaign.
2018: Joe Exotic's Gubernatorial Run
Joe Exotic ran in the 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial election, shifting his focus from the presidential race.
2018: End of Joe Exotic's Wrestling Commentary Stint
Joe Exotic's time as a professional wrestling commentator ended in 2018. He had been involved in the wrestling scene since 2010, providing commentary and hosting wrestling programs at his zoo.
2018: Departure from G.W. Zoo
Joe Exotic left the G.W. Zoo in 2018.
April 2019: Joe Exotic Found Guilty
In a significant legal development, Joe Exotic was found guilty in April 2019 on multiple charges, including hiring hitmen to target Carole Baskin and violating wildlife protection laws. This verdict resulted in a lengthy prison sentence and marked a dramatic downfall for the controversial figure.
2019: Joe Exotic's Libertarian Party Membership Revoked
Following his arrest, the Oklahoma Libertarian Party voted unanimously to revoke Joe Exotic's party membership in 2019. This action solidified his break from the party after his controversial political aspirations.
2019: Joe Exotic's Account of the Car Crash
In 2019, Joe Exotic claimed that the 1985 car crash was a suicide attempt.
2019: Conviction and Sentencing of Joe Exotic
Joe Exotic was convicted on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of attempted murder-for-hire in 2019 and sentenced to 22 years in prison.
January 22, 2020: Joe Exotic Sentenced to 22 Years
On January 22, 2020, Joe Exotic received a 22-year prison sentence, solidifying the consequences of his convictions related to the murder-for-hire plot and wildlife crimes. This sentencing brought a sense of closure to the highly publicized legal battle with Carole Baskin and the authorities.
March 2020: Joe Exotic Files Lawsuit
In March 2020, Joe Exotic, seeking to overturn his conviction and recoup financial losses, filed a lawsuit against various entities and individuals he held responsible for his predicament. The lawsuit, seeking a substantial sum, reflected Exotic's ongoing battle against the legal system and his accusers.
March 2020: "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness" Netflix Release
In March 2020, the Netflix docuseries "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness," which centers on Joe Exotic and his rivalry with Carole Baskin, premiered. The series' debut coincided with the global COVID-19 lockdown, and both the show and Exotic became viral sensations.
March 31, 2020: Joe Exotic Memes and "Free Joe Exotic" Campaign
Joe Exotic became a cultural phenomenon in March 2020, inspiring countless memes and a dedicated "Free Joe Exotic" campaign. This surge in popularity brought attention to his case and reflected a mix of amusement, support, and fascination with his eccentric persona.
April 2020: COVID-19 Concerns and Joe Exotic's Transfer
Due to multiple COVID-19 cases at Joe Exotic's prison in April 2020, he was moved to Federal Medical Center for a 14-day quarantine as a safety precaution. Despite rumors of Exotic contracting COVID-19, Dillon Passage reassured fans that he was not infected.
April 2020: Joe Exotic Discussed in White House Press Conference
The case of Joe Exotic entered the national spotlight in April 2020 when it became a topic of discussion during a White House COVID-19 press briefing. This unexpected turn of events highlighted Exotic's notoriety and fueled speculation about a potential presidential pardon.
May 2020: Court Ruling Awards Ownership to Baskin
In May 2020, a court ruled in favor of Carole Baskin, granting her ownership of the G.W. Zoo after determining that Joe Exotic had fraudulently transferred ownership to his mother. This marked a significant turning point in the ownership struggle for the zoo.
May 2020: Pardon Request Submitted
In May 2020, a formal request for a presidential pardon was submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of Joe Exotic. The request, accompanied by a comprehensive document challenging aspects of his conviction, aimed to secure Exotic's release from prison.
July 2020: "Surviving Joe Exotic" Documentary Release
Discovery released "Surviving Joe Exotic" in July 2020, a documentary that focuses on the animals at the G.W. Zoo. The documentary features interviews with Exotic filmed before his arrest and former employees, offering insights into the zoo's operations.
2020: Joe Exotic's Planned Presidential Run
Joe Exotic had initially intended to run in the 2020 Libertarian Party presidential primaries, but later withdrew his candidacy.
2020: Release of "Tiger King" Season 1
The first season of the Netflix documentary series "Tiger King," which focused on Joe Exotic's life and his feud with Carole Baskin, was released in 2020.
2020: Joe Exotic Convicted of Falsifying Wildlife Records
In 2020, Joe Exotic was found guilty of falsifying wildlife records in violation of the Endangered Species Act. This conviction further tarnished his reputation and contributed to his legal troubles.
January 2021: Joe Exotic's Health Concerns
Joe Exotic reportedly faced an unspecified medical condition in January 2021.
January 19, 2021: Anticipation of Pardon Unfulfilled
On January 19, 2021, hopes for a last-minute pardon from outgoing President Donald Trump for Joe Exotic were dashed. Despite preparations and anticipation, Exotic remained incarcerated, signifying a setback for his supporters and legal team.
March 2021: Joe Exotic's Blood-Immune Disorder
In March 2021, Joe Exotic was reported to be suffering from a blood-immune disorder and allegedly being denied proper treatment.
March 2021: Seeking Pardon from President Biden and New Legal Representation
In March 2021, Joe Exotic shifted his focus to seeking a pardon from President Joe Biden while also securing new legal representation. These actions demonstrated Exotic's determination to overturn his conviction and secure his release.
April 2021: Chealsi Putman Interviewed by Louis Theroux
Chealsi Putman gave a revealing interview to filmmaker Louis Theroux in April 2021, shedding light on her experiences at the G.W. Zoo and her criticisms of Joe Exotic's treatment of animals. Her account provided an insider's perspective on the events that unfolded.
April 2021: "Shooting Joe Exotic" Documentary Release
Louis Theroux released a new documentary about Joe Exotic titled "Shooting Joe Exotic" on BBC Two in the United Kingdom in April 2021. The film included previously unseen footage of Exotic from a prior documentary by Theroux, as well as new interviews with those connected with him.
May 14, 2021: Joe Exotic Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
Joe Exotic received a diagnosis of prostate cancer on May 14, 2021, and underwent testing to determine the stage of the disease.
May 2021: Federal Authorities Seize Remaining Cats
In May 2021, federal authorities took possession of all remaining animals at the new park established by Jeff Lowe, citing concerns over animal welfare. This action underscored the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges surrounding individuals previously associated with Joe Exotic's operations.
May 2021: Joe Exotic Launches Cryptocurrency
Joe Exotic launched a cryptocurrency in May 2021 to generate funds for his legal defense and charitable initiatives. This venture aimed to capitalize on his notoriety and garner support from his followers.
June 2021: Joe Exotic Launches NFT Auction
In June 2021, Joe Exotic, in collaboration with a cryptocurrency organization, launched an NFT auction. The auction included promises of real-world items, adding a unique twist to his ventures in the digital realm.
July 2021: Court Rules for Shorter Sentence
A glimmer of hope emerged in July 2021 when an appeals court ruled that Joe Exotic should receive a reduced prison sentence. The ruling, while upholding the convictions, acknowledged a sentencing error, potentially leading to an earlier release date.
July 2021: Joe Exotic and Dillon Passage's Relationship Ends
Dillon Passage publicly announced his new relationship with John, a man closer to his age, in July 2021, after revealing his divorce from Joe Exotic in March. Exotic, initially supportive, later expressed discontent about learning of the relationship from TMZ and blocked Passage on social media platforms after Passage released a video alleging abusive behavior during their relationship.
July 15, 2021: Appeal Court Ruling on Joe Exotic's Conviction
On July 15, 2021, a U.S. appeals court ruled that the convictions for the two murder-for-hire attempts against Carole Baskin were incorrectly treated as separate, resulting in a reduction of Exotic's sentence.
August 2021: Joe Exotic's Cancer Concerns
In August 2021, Joe Exotic shared concerns about his prostate cancer potentially spreading to his pelvis. He was later transferred to Federal Medical Center, Butner in North Carolina for treatment.
November 9, 2021: Release of Autobiography
Joe Exotic's autobiography, "Tiger King: The Official Tell-All Memoir," was released on November 9, 2021, providing his perspective on the events that led to his imprisonment. The book, written during his incarceration, offered insights into his life and the captivating world of big cat ownership.
November 2021: Transfer to Federal Medical Center, Butner
In November 2021, Joe Exotic was transferred to Federal Medical Center, Butner in North Carolina for reasons that were not publicly disclosed. This transfer suggested potential health concerns or a change in his custodial situation.
2021: Release of "Tiger King" Season 2 and "Shooting Joe Exotic"
The second season of "Tiger King" and Louis Theroux's documentary "Shooting Joe Exotic" were released in 2021.
2021: Joe Exotic's Change of View on Animal Captivity
In 2021, Joe Exotic expressed a change in his stance on animal captivity, stating that he now believes "no animal belongs in a cage."
January 2022: Joe Exotic's Sentence Reduced
Joe Exotic's prison sentence was reduced to 21 years in late January 2022.
March 3, 2022: Premiere of "Joe vs. Carole"
"Joe vs. Carole," a drama series based on the rivalry between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, premiered on Peacock on March 3, 2022.
2022: Joe Exotic Expresses Interest in Running for President with Andrew Tate
Joe Exotic expressed interest in a 2022 presidential run with Andrew Tate as his running mate, indicating his persistent political aspirations despite his legal troubles.
January 2023: Joe Exotic and Dillon Passage's Divorce Finalized
Joe Exotic and Dillon Passage officially ended their marriage after their divorce was finalized in January 2023.
March 13, 2023: Joe Exotic Announces Libertarian Presidential Bid for 2024
On March 13, 2023, Joe Exotic announced his candidacy for the Libertarian Party presidential nomination in the 2024 election, running from prison. His announcement drew criticism from party chair Angela McArdle.
April 11, 2023: Joe Exotic Announces Democratic Presidential Run
On April 11, 2023, Joe Exotic announced his intention to run for president as a Democrat, marking a shift in his political allegiance.
April 2023: Joe Exotic Signs with Kingmaker Music
Joe Exotic signed with Kingmaker Music in April 2023 to manage his music catalog.
September 2023: Joe Exotic Threatens Legal Action Against Jordan Travis
In September 2023, Joe Exotic asserted his trademark on "Tiger King" by threatening legal action against Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis. This action underscored Exotic's continued efforts to leverage his notoriety and defend his perceived intellectual property, even from within prison.
2023: Joe Exotic Announces 2024 Presidential Candidacy
Joe Exotic announced his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election as a Democrat in 2023.
2024: Joe Exotic's Planned Presidential Run
Joe Exotic is planning to run for president in 2024.
2024: Joe Exotic's Planned Presidential Run
Joe Exotic plans to run for president in the 2024 election, seeking the Libertarian Party nomination. His candidacy marks another attempt to enter the political arena.
2036: Scheduled Release Date
Barring any changes to his sentence, Joe Exotic is scheduled for release from prison in 2036. This date represents the anticipated end of his incarceration, allowing him to potentially re-enter society and rebuild his life.