In a recent development surrounding the infamous Netflix series “Tiger King,” Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, a wild animal trainer featured in the show, has been convicted of wildlife trafficking in Virginia. According to Attorney General Jason Miyares, Antle was found guilty of illegally purchasing endangered lion cubs in Frederick County, Virginia, for display and profit at his South Carolina zoo. The jury convicted Antle on two felony counts each of wildlife trafficking and conspiring to wildlife traffic. The conviction comes after Antle appeared in the popular documentary miniseries that shed light on tiger breeders.
Although Antle faced charges of animal cruelty, the jury acquitted him of five counts, and Judge Alexander Iden dismissed four additional animal cruelty charges against Antle, as well as all charges against his two adult daughters. Prosecutor Michelle Welch revealed that Antle’s motivation for obtaining the lion cubs was the lucrative petting zoo at his Myrtle Beach Safari. She described the arrangement as a “cub pipeline,” with Antle purchasing the cubs from Wilson’s Wild Animal Park in Virginia. The transactions occurred between 2017 and 2019, after lions were classified as an endangered species, limiting their trade to authorized zoos and wildlife preserves.
Antle’s indictment occurred in 2020, charging him with several offenses, including wildlife trafficking and conspiracy. Wilson, the former owner of the park, testified that Antle paid him in advance under the pretense of a donation. The animals seized from Wilson’s roadside zoo in 2019 included lions, tigers, bears, and other species. Antle’s defense attorney, Erin Harrigan, claimed that the prosecution was politically motivated, alleging a response to public concerns about the exploitation of wild animals for entertainment purposes. Antle is currently free on bond and faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years. His sentencing is scheduled for September 14.
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