In the wild and bewildering world of true crime, few figures have captured our collective imagination quite like Joe Exotic. The flamboyant zoo owner, with his mullet, sequined shirts, and penchant for tiger-striped everything, became an overnight sensation thanks to the Netflix docuseries “Tiger King.” But what has become of Joe Exotic since the cameras stopped rolling? Let’s dive into the enigma that is Joe Exotic and explore his current whereabouts.

1. Still Alive and Kicking

Yes, Joseph Maldonado-Passage, better known as Joe Exotic, is very much alive. As of March 5, 2022, he celebrates his 59th birthday—a milestone that coincides with the premiere of the scripted limited series “Joe vs. Carole” on Peacock. But Joe’s journey hasn’t been without its share of hardships. Battling health issues, he revealed in a heartfelt tweet that he had aggressive prostate cancer. Despite his legal woes, Joe maintains a resilient spirit, even soliciting donations for a friend in need rather than himself.

2. Behind Bars, but Not Forgotten

Joe Exotic’s fate took a dark turn when he was convicted for a murder-for-hire plot against his arch-nemesis, Carole Baskin—the owner of Big Cat Rescue in Florida. His feud with Carole, fueled by their shared love for big cats, escalated into a bizarre and twisted tale of vengeance. Joe’s zoo, the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (also known as the GW Zoo) in Oklahoma, was a hotbed of controversy, and he faced additional charges related to wildlife violations.

3. A 21-Year Sentence

In January 2020, Joe Exotic received a 22-year federal prison sentence for his role in the murder-for-hire scheme. However, in a surprising twist, a federal judge shaved off one year from his original sentence in January 2022. Joe now serves 21 years behind bars, contemplating his fate within the confines of the Federal Medical Centre in Fort Worth, Texas.

4. The Tiger King Legacy Lives On

Joe Exotic’s larger-than-life persona continues to reverberate through pop culture. SNL star Kate McKinnon portrays Carole Baskin, while John Cameron Mitchell steps into Joe’s eccentric shoes in “Joe vs. Carole.” The scripted series delves into their tumultuous relationship, revealing layers of intrigue and animosity.

5. The Unforgettable Saga

Joe Exotic’s saga is a testament to the absurdity and unpredictability of life. From tiger cubs to courtroom drama, his story remains etched in our memories. Whether he’s feeding lions or navigating legal battles, Joe Exotic’s legacy endures—a wild ride that defies easy categorization.

In conclusion, Joe Exotic may be confined to prison walls, but his legend roars on. As we await further chapters in this captivating tale, one thing is certain: You can’t escape the allure of the Tiger King.

References:

1. Parade: Where Is Joe Exotic Now?
2. Deseret News: The latest on ‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic
3. The Review Geek: Where is Joe Exotic now?
4. iNews: Joe Exotic now: What happened after Tiger King