Carole Baskin takes over Joe Exotic's zoo

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: June 2 2020 | 08:18

Last updated: July 8 2020 | 21:22

In a fresh twist to the Tiger King saga, Carole Baskin is awarded ownership of Joe Exotic's zoo in Oklahoma.

Tiger King star Joe Exotic has been forced to hand over control of his zoo to arch nemesis Carole Baskin in the latest twist in the bizarre saga.

The Netflix documentary series explored the crazy life of Exotic and his rivalry with Big Cat Rescue owner Baskin, which culminated with him being imprisoned for his part in an alleged plot to have her killed.

In 2013, Exotic - real name Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage - was ordered to pay Baskin $1 million in damages for trademark infringements but was unable to claim the funds because ownership of Exotic's Oklahoma zoo had been transferred to his mother.

Now lawyers working for Baskin have convinced a judge that the land transfer was "fraudulent" and as a result Exotic must hand over the zoo, as well as multiple cabins and vehicles, to her.

The zoo's current operator - Exotic's former business partner Jeff Lowe - has been given 120 days to vacate the property and remove any animals currently housed there.

Meanwhile, Exotic is in the process of attempting to convince Donald Trump to issue him with a presidential pardon and secure his release from prison.