Ran a traveling circus-style act

Easley previously ran ShowMe Tigers, a traveling circus-style act featuring tigers. The preserve said both it and ShowMe Tigers had passed 32 consecutive USDA inspections without issue, including a January 2025 re-license inspection.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which licensed the facility, is investigating the incident, along with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Sheriff Park said the tiger has been confined to a single cage pending the outcome of the probe.

Laura Hagen, director of captive wildlife for Humane World for Animals, expressed deep concern over Easley’s death, emphasizing the risks of using wild animals for entertainment:

“Ryan Easley’s death was a sad and preventable tragedy, and we hope it serves as a reminder of the danger and cruelty of other operators who still use dangerous wild animals for entertainment.”