Joe Exotic, the eccentric former zoo operator, reality TV personality, and convicted felon, became a household name through the Netflix series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness.” His life, filled with controversy and legal troubles, has left many wondering about his financial status. This article explores Joe Exotic’s earnings, wealth, and the significant events that have shaped his financial journey.
Early Life and Background
Joe Exotic, born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel on March 5, 1963, in Garden City, Kansas, grew up in a challenging environment. Raised alongside his four siblings by parents Francis and Shirly Schreibvogel, Joe’s family moved to Texas, where he attended high school. After graduating from Pilot Point High School, Joe joined the Eastvale police department and was promoted to chief in 1982. However, a car accident in 1985 left him injured and eventually led him to leave the police force. The details of the accident vary across different interviews Joe has given over the years.
Entry into the Exotic Animal World
After leaving the police force, Joe moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, and managed a pet store. Here, he encountered baby lions for the first time, sparking his interest in exotic animals. In 1986, Joe and his brother, G.W., opened a pet store in Arlington, Texas. Following G.W.’s death in a car accident in 1997, Joe sold the pet store and bought a 16-acre farm in Oklahoma. This farm became the Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park, named in honor of his brother, and opened in 1999.
Joe’s zoo started with two of his brother’s pets and expanded to include two tigers abandoned by their owner in 2000. Over the next two decades, Joe operated the G.W. Zoo, eventually acquiring some alligators that had once belonged to Michael Jackson. Joe’s foray into the exotic animal business included performing magic shows with tigers, under the stage name “Joe Exotic,” and later running cub petting events. He became known for his flamboyant style and trademark bleached mullet.
Rise to Fame and Legal Troubles
Joe Exotic’s fame skyrocketed with the release of the Netflix series “Tiger King” in 2020. The documentary detailed his bitter rivalry with Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue in Florida, and shed light on the controversial practices at his zoo. The show’s release during the COVID-19 pandemic turned Joe Exotic into an internet sensation.
Despite his newfound fame, Joe’s life was fraught with legal issues. In 2018, he was arrested for attempting to hire a hitman to kill Carole Baskin. In 2019, Joe was convicted on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of murder for hire. He was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison. Joe’s legal battles also included a $1 million judgment in a trademark dispute with Baskin, which led to her gaining control of his zoo properties, cars, and houses.
Financial Status and Net Worth
Joe Exotic’s financial status has been severely impacted by his legal troubles and subsequent imprisonment. At the peak of his career, he managed a successful zoo and performed magic shows, earning a substantial income. However, his involvement in criminal activities and the hefty legal judgments against him left him in financial ruin. As of now, Joe Exotic’s net worth is reported to be -$1 million, reflecting his significant debts and legal liabilities.
Personal Life
Joe Exotic is openly gay and has had several partners, some of whom he referred to as his husband despite only legally marrying a few. His first known partner was Brian Rhyne, who died of complications from HIV in 2001. Joe later had relationships with various employees of his zoo, including John Finlay and Travis Maldonado. In 2013, Joe, Finlay, and Maldonado were unofficially married, but Joe legally married only Maldonado after a falling out with Finlay. Tragically, Maldonado fatally shot himself at the zoo in 2017. Later that year, Joe married Dillon Passage, but their relationship ended in 2021 when Passage began dating another man.
Health Issues
Joe Exotic has faced numerous health problems over the years. Most recently, while in prison, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021. He was transferred to the Federal Medical Center in North Carolina to receive treatment.
Legacy and Impact
Despite his financial ruin and legal troubles, Joe Exotic remains a polarizing figure. His story, as depicted in “Tiger King,” continues to captivate audiences and spark debates about the ethics of exotic animal ownership and the entertainment industry. Joe’s life is a cautionary tale about the perils of fame, the consequences of illegal activities, and the complex dynamics of human relationships.
Conclusion
Joe Exotic’s financial journey is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from managing a successful exotic animal park to facing legal battles and imprisonment. His net worth of -$1 million reflects the severe impact of his legal issues and financial mismanagement. Joe’s story serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring consequences of one’s actions.
