The Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, the now infamous zoo that was the subject of Netflix's hit docuseries Tiger Kinghas been permanently shut down. The series followed the lives of several figures in the surprisingly dramatic and tight-knit exotic animal zookeepers/conservationists community in the United States, mainly focusing on the larger-than-life Joe Exotic and the G.W. Zoo, which he founded in 1999. What started off as a series about the mistreatment of tigers and other exotic animals soon turned into a piece about human drama, murder, and the most disgusting pizza in recorded history. The series proved to be a massive hit for Netflix, becoming one of the most viewed original shows on the platform.

While the series covered many different people, locations, and zoos, the main focus was on Exotic and The Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park. The park started as a shelter for exotic and endangered animals, but over time turned into a more traditional zoo, which featured exhibits, cafeterias, and the ability for guests to interact with and pet younger animals. Exotic and his zoo came under fire from several animal advocacy groups over the years, most notably Carole Baskin and her organization Big Cat Rescue Corp., for Exotic's alleged mistreatment of the animals. Jeff Lowe, a businessman who is also featured heavily in the Tiger King series, eventually bought the park from Exotic and has been the owner since 2016.

Related: Why A Tiger King Drama Series Is A Bad Idea

Via the park's Facebook page, Lowe announced that The Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park would be closed permanently. Despite the park's relative success since Lowe has taken over operations, he decided to shut down the park due to it being a continuous target of animal rights organizations like PETA. Lowe also says that the USDA, which he claims had given the zoo "five consecutive perfect inspections," was now giving into pressures from PETA and leveling "false accusations" against Lowe and the park. Lowe has also forfeited his USDA Exhibitors License.

The Tiger King phenomenon has definitely changed our lives in many ways. It has brought us more attention than any human deserves, good and bad. It has, and probably will continue to make us a target of every nutjob and animal rights loon in the World, but we are prepared. It has also provided us with an unfathomable source of income. Income that will guarantee the long term care of our animals and allow us to be very selective going forward. As of today, we have decided to close the old zoo effective immediately.

Joe Exotic in Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness on Netflix

However, Lowe's statement leaves out another important fact in the story. In June 2020, a federal judge ruled that Baskin, Exotic's former rival, would gain control over the land the G.W. Zoo operates on. Exotic had owed Baskin $1 million from a trademark infringement lawsuit in 2011. The judge ruled that Exotic had sold the property illegally to Lowe, and Baskin was to be given the land 120 days after the ruling. Lowe stated that he didn't intend to fight the decision.

The sudden closer of the park leaves a lot questions in the air. It is unknown what exactly will happen to all the animals that currently reside there. Lowe's statement contains an ambiguous reassurance the animals will be taken care of, but as of now, no concrete plans have been made known to the public. This continues a troubling trend that has been persistent since Tiger King released: a casual disregard for the captive animals that the series was originally supposed to focus on. One can only hope that the animals will receive the care they need, but, ultimately, the closure of the park is a good thing. Though it remains to be seen right now, hopefully the legacy of Tiger King will lead to a world where these exotic animals are given the respect and care that they deserve.

Next: Tiger King vs. Blackfish: Why The Netflix Documentary Is Harmful

Source: Jeff Lowe