'Tiger King' Star Doc Antle Convicted Of Wildlife Trafficking In VA

FREDERICK COUNTY, VA — Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, who starred in Netflix's hit series "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness," has been convicted of multiple felony charges involving the illegal trafficking of wild animals, according to authorities and reports.

Antle was convicted last week on two counts of wildlife trafficking and two counts of conspiring to wildlife traffic after authorities said he illegally purchased endangered lion cubs in Frederick County to display them at his zoo in South Carolina, according to a WTOP report citing Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Authorities launched an investigation into Antle in 2019, according to reports. His conviction followed a week-long trial.

"Virginia’s animal cruelty laws are not taken lightly by my office," Miyares said in a statement posted on social media. "I’m proud of my Animal Law Unit’s tireless work in sending a clear message that Virginia does not tolerate wildlife animal trafficking."

Antle was featured prominently in the "Tiger King" series, which focused on Oklahoma zoo operator Joe Exotic, who was also accused of mistreating animals and was convicted in a plot to kill rival Carole Baskin.

Antle's conviction is the latest in a series of others involving animal trafficking and mistreatment.

In June 2022, Antle was one of five people indicted for crimes involving federal wildlife trafficking and money laundering, WTOP reported. According to The Associated Press, Antle has accrued more than 35 Department of Agriculture violations for mistreating animals dating back to 1989.