Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, the self-styled guru who rose to prominence for his role in the popular Netflix docuseries Tiger King, was arrested by FBI agents in South Carolina on Friday, June 3.
According to sheriff records, Antle, who was a magician before opening his first private zoo and now owns and operates Myrtle Beach Safari, which features big cats and other endangered species, is being held on unspecified charges.
Antle’s arrest is his latest run-in with the law, following his indictment in late 2020 on wildlife trafficking, animal cruelty, and other charges. The indictment followed a months-long investigation by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring’s Animal Law Unit. As a result of the indictment, two of Antle’s daughters were charged with Endangered Species Act violations and animal cruelty.
In addition to Antle’s legal problems, accusations of s*xual misconduct and predatory behavior, many of which came from women who had previously worked for and romantically engaged with Antle, earned him his own Tiger King spinoff documentary, which was released in 2021.
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In a statement to The Washington Post, activists applauded his latest arrest. Marty Irby, executive director of Animal Wellness Action, issued the following statement and captured by glamsquad,
“We applaud the Department of Justice and the FBI for apprehending Bhagavan ‘Doc’ Antle, a longtime scoundrel involved in the heinous and inhumane trade of dangerous big cats.”
“Irresponsible breeding, inhumane living conditions, and public exploitation are serious issues in the United States, and caging these wild animals poses a threat to human health and safety.”
