If you have watched the Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness Netflix film, then you need no introduction to who Carole Baskin is. In the true-crime docuseries, she is the biggest rival of Joe Exotic, a fellow cat lover and zoo owner. She founded Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit animal sanctuary, and advocated for the end of interbreeding wild cats. Where is Carole Baskin now?
Carole had a long-running feud with Joe Exotic over the activities that took place in his park, The Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park. Her clashes with Joe Exotic sparked a conversation about the exploitation of wild animals and the possible murder of her husband, Don Lewis. Joe was charged with planning murder-for-hire against Carole.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Carole Baskin
- Background and Early Life
- Big Cat Rescue: A Lifelong Mission
- Personal Relationships and Marriages
- The Rivalry with Joe Exotic
- Where is Carole Baskin Now?
- Carole Baskin's Net Worth
Biography of Carole Baskin
Carole Baskin was born on June 6, 1961, in San Antonio, Texas. Her birth name was Carole Stairs. Carole is known for her dedication to animal rights and her efforts to rescue big cats.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Carole Baskin |
| Birth Name | Carole Stairs |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | San Antonio, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Age | 58 years |
| Parents | Vernon Charles Stairs (father), Mary Barbara Jean Norris Stairs (mother) |
| Spouse | Mike Murdock (1978-1980), Jack Donald Lewis (1991-1997), Howard Baskin (2004-present) |
| Children | Jamie Veronica Murdock |
| Profession | Animal rights activist, zookeeper |
Background and Early Life
Carole Baskin was raised in a challenging environment. Her parents struggled financially, and they found it hard to keep her in school. Being their only child, Carole felt the pressure of their circumstances.
At just 15 years old, she decided to run away from home. This bold move was driven by her desire not to burden her family. After a few tough days without food and shelter, she managed to find a job and rent her own apartment.
Big Cat Rescue: A Lifelong Mission
In 1992, Carole founded Big Cat Rescue near Tampa, Florida. This sanctuary was established to provide a safe haven for big cats such as tigers, lions, and cheetahs. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to advocate for animal rights.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Big Cat Rescue temporarily closed its doors, showcasing the challenges that animal sanctuaries face during global crises. Carole's commitment to animal welfare remains unwavering, and she continues to fight for the rights and protection of big cats.
Personal Relationships and Marriages
Carole's first marriage was at the age of 17 to Mike Murdock. They had a daughter named Jamie Veronica Murdock before Carole left him, citing abuse as the reason. Shortly after, she met Jack Donald Lewis, who shared her passion for animals.
Carole and Don married in 1991, despite their age difference of 22 years. Their relationship, however, became tumultuous, leading to Don's mysterious disappearance in 1997, which sparked significant media attention and speculation about Carole's involvement.
The Rivalry with Joe Exotic
The feud between Carole Baskin and Joe Exotic became widely known through the Tiger King series. Joe, also known as The Tiger King, owned a private zoo and had a contentious relationship with Carole, who accused him of mistreating animals.
The rivalry escalated when Joe was charged with plotting to kill Carole after she successfully filed a lawsuit against his park. This dramatic turn of events led to his arrest and conviction for murder-for-hire.
Where is Carole Baskin Now?
Today, Carole Baskin continues her work at Big Cat Rescue and remains a prominent figure in animal rights advocacy. Following the release of the Tiger King series, she has expressed her concerns about how the documentary portrayed her and her mission.
On her website, Carole emphasizes the importance of justice being served regarding Joe Exotic's actions. She remains dedicated to her cause and has criticized media portrayals that sensationalize her life's work.
Carole Baskin's Net Worth
As the CEO of Big Cat Rescue, Carole Baskin has built a considerable fortune over the years. Her estimated net worth is around $20 million, partly due to her late husband's assets. Carole's commitment to animal rights continues to inspire many people around the world.
With over eighty big cats in her sanctuary, Carole Baskin's work demonstrates the importance of wildlife conservation and animal protection. Her story is not just about rivalry and controversy but also about dedication to a cause that resonates with many.
