It was only yesterday that we were talking about how Carole Baskin was actually considering coming back for ‘Tiger King’ series two – for a serious price – and now we’re hearing that there’s already been a dramatic development in the lives of those involved in the show as Joe Exotic’s zoo is looking as though it’s going to be permanently closed down.

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It was recently announced that Carole Baskin herself had won possession of Joe’s zoo and that Jeff Lowe – the current owner – was going to be given 120 days to get out of there until she moved in. Seems like it hasn’t worked out that way though, with Jeff announcing the closure of the zoo via a Facebook post, putting the balme firmly on animal rights charity PETA.

For some reason he isn’t allowing the Facebook post to be embedded, but if you really want to see it you can click on the link above. Here’s the picture and text though:

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The Tiger King phenomenon has definitely changed our lives in many ways. It has brought us more attention than any
human deserves, good and bad. It has, and probably will continue to make us a target of every nutjob and animal rights loon in the World, but we are prepared.

It has also provided us with an unfathomable source of income. Income that will guarantee the long term care of our animals and allow us to be very selective going forward.

As of today, we have decided to close the old zoo effective immediately.

Do the the permanent closure of the Wynnewood Zoo, I’m forfeiting my USDA exhibitors license.

The very agency that has given my facility five consecutive perfect inspections, has now folded to the pressures of PETA and continue to make false accusations against me.

Suspiciously, less than 24 hours after I contacted the USDA to voluntarily forfeit my license, they notify me that they are suspending my license for 21 days for a litany of falsehoods.

In the State of Oklahoma, exotic animal ownership is perfectly legal.

Rest assured that all the animals will continue to have excellent care, and consequently will no longer be subject to USDA inspections or PETA spies.

Our new park will, at least for the foreseeable future, be a private film set for Tiger King related television content for cable and streaming services.

This was in fact a decision that we made more than a month ago and was the huge news that we spoke about on Facebook a couple weeks ago.

So, thanks to all the people who have visited the Wynnewood Zoo over the years! We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Effective immediately, we are closed to the public!

What a plot twist hey? Surely this has something to do with Carole Baskin getting control of the zoo as well, as they’re effectively screwing her out of any of the animals and anything on site (not that the site was anything to brag about or even want though to be fair).

You’ve gotta think that’s a big factor here, especially as if they’re just going to start a new park/private filming set then they’re probably going to have the same problems. Guess it’s the classic case of closing one business and absolving all the debt and problems and then just opening up a new one. Can’t really go wrong with that trick can you?

For more of the same, check out everything that has happened to the cast of ‘Tiger King’ since it aired. So much going on.