Most people have either watched or heard about Joe Exotic from Tiger King, the Netflix documentary. There are seven episodes, and each one has elements that are hard to fathom.
While Joe’s wardrobe and mullet are enough to get attention, the events that unfold make it hard not to binge-watch the series.
This is especially the case when you consider the dynamics between Joe and Carole Baskin. A lot happens during the series, and below are interesting facts that you may not know about.
Petting Cubs is Dangerous
Source: ShutterstockThe fact that Joe Exotic successfully charged people money to capture their experience petting cubs is remarkable. Not because it’s a good business idea, but because it’s dangerous. The focus has mainly been on the horrific way in which the cubs and tigers were treated, rightly so. In addition to putting the animals at risk, people that visited the park were in danger. Nevertheless, the impact on the cubs was devastating because they often grew ill from being handled by so many people. In fact, many of them subsequently developed infections.
Joe Enjoys Publicity
It’s common for people to express remorse after they have gotten caught doing something illegal or immoral. That’s precisely what happened with Joe. Despite acknowledging that his actions were wrong, he is simply delighted by the publicity and attention he’s received from the series. Although Joe is locked away, he is well aware of his newfound fame and is excited about all of it. While this doesn’t necessarily mean he isn’t genuinely remorseful, it’s hard to process the joy Joe feels because of the publicity he has received.
Kelci’s Hand Could Have Been Saved
Kelci Saffery is an employee you’ll see in the first episode after a terrible experience where she ends up losing her hand. She was bitten by a tiger and ended up returning to work after just a week.
Source: ShutterstockKelci actually issued a statement indicating that the reason she lost her hand was because she did not adhere to protocol when she put her hand in the cage instead of using a stick. As it turns out, she could have had her hand reattached, which would have required a series of surgeries. She chose not to go this route.
Joe Cannot Actually Sing
While this may not come as a surprise, it’s worth noting that Joe cannot actually sing, despite his boasting about a singing career.
Danny Clinton and Vince Johnson are the talented musicians that sang many of the songs in the documentary. Most people won’t actually be surprised by this because Joe’s speaking voice sounds much different than the singing voice of the musicians.
John’s Accident Was Horrific
Because he is filmed while putting his artificial legs on and removing them, it’s clear that John Reinke has had some kind of accident. What was not made clear is that he lost his legs while bungee jumping. In fact, he ended up falling more than 50 feet, which is how his legs were crushed. During the fall, he also incurred other serious injuries when a metal object pierced his stomach and intestinal tract.
The Alligators Once Belonged to Michael Jackson
Source: ShutterstockThe alligators in the documentary are actually more famous than people realize. They once resided at Neverland Ranch, which was owned by Michael Jackson. If you saw the show, you know about the fire that took place, which impacted the alligators and other reptiles. The reptiles at the exotic animal part were more dangerous than the tigers.
Joe Requested a Pardon
Proclaiming his innocence, Joe Exotic has requested a pardon from President Donald Trump. You may have heard about it because it was reported by some news outlets.
Did you know that Joe has filed lawsuits over $150 million claiming his civil rights have been violated? We will likely hear more about this in the coming months and years as the cases progress through the courts or are dismissed.
Don Lewis Remains Missing
Part of the storyline was regarding Carole Baskin’s missing husband, Don Lewis. He has been missing since the late 1990s, and that has not changed. There have been many accusations made and the local police are now investigating his disappearance. While they may have already been investigating, the Florida Sheriff Department recently requested that any one with a lead contact them. Perhaps the truth will come to light soon.
The Tiger King is the type of documentary that you never really forget, even when you want to. At times, it seems hard to believe that it all actually happened.
