Success: Infamous Big Cat Zoo Permanently Shut Down

Target: Carol Baskin, Founder and CEO of Big Cat Rescue

Goal: Support erasure of notorious exotic animal park with reputation of big cat abuse.

Netflix series Tiger King caused a stir in more ways than one. Behind the supposed entertainment were dark, decades-long accusations of animal cruelty allegedly perpetrated on properties featured in the show. Joe Exotic, the zoo owner heavily promoted during the release, currently resides in prison for—among other convicted offenses—harming the animals on his property. This ForceChange petition brought attention to some of the controversies. Now, thanks to such calls for action, the most infamous property associated with this enterprise is officially and decisively no more.

Carol Baskin, an animal rescuer also prominent in Tiger King, was awarded Exotic’s former zoo in a settlement. Recently, she sold the property on two major conditions. First, neither the new owners nor any future owners cannot capitalize on the cruelty that reportedly took place. Neither the name nor any part of the land can be associated with the franchise. More importantly, the site can never again be used as a zoo. Baskin said of the conditions she placed on the sale: “We would like the 20 years of mistreatment of animals there to be forgotten and be history.”

Sign the petition below to thank this advocate for helping reinvent the troubled property.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Baskin,

Joe Exotic’s animal park left a dark legacy. For the decades to come, you have ensured this land can finally be used for far more beneficial purposes. Thank you for helping banish the horrific cruelty that reportedly unfolded to “history.”

And thank you for your continued advocacy of exploited big cats across America.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Fight4animalrights