BREAKING: It’s game over for former tiger terrorizer Tim Stark! Earlier today, PETA, The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, and the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas removed 22 tigers, lions, and tiger/lion hybrids from Indiana’s Wildlife in Need (WIN), which was operated by Tiger King villain Stark and his ex-wife, Melissa Lane. The rescue follows an order in PETA’s successful Endangered Species Act lawsuit against the now-defunct roadside zoo.
U.S. Marshals provided security for the operation, which went smoothly despite threats made by Stark in ranting videos he posted to Facebook. In addition to suggesting that his supporters obstruct animal transport vehicles, he identified a PETA attorney by name, brandished a rifle, and indicated that he was “taught to shoot and kill” people like those at PETA. In response, the court ordered Stark to be at least 2 miles from the property on the day of the transfer.
Here at PETA, we’re celebrating the new life that awaits these 22 survivors, who will at last be able to roam natural terrain, swim when they choose to, and never be terrorized by Tim Stark again.
In addition to the 22 rescued big cats, state authorities and representatives from the Indianapolis Zoo removed even more animals from WIN this week. Stark was since accused of hiding some of these animals from officials, which led to an Indiana judge issuing a warrant for his arrest. He is now wanted by local law enforcement and reportedly on the run.
An Indianapolis judge has issued an arrest warrant for Tim Stark, holding him in contempt of court. We are at Wildlife in Need where someone just sped off of the property, in Stark’s truck. pic.twitter.com/eAlOrc0998
— Shay McAlister (@ShayMcAlisterTV) September 16, 2020
Because Stark transferred four young lions to Jeff Lowe—also of Tiger King and operator of the now-defunct roadside zoo Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park—the latter was also a defendant in PETA’s lawsuit. Lions remain at the former Oklahoma tourist trap, and PETA is working with an accredited sanctuary to ensure that they get to enjoy their best lives, too.
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This victory serves as a warning to the entire big-cat cub-petting industry: Its days are numbered. Nonetheless, just as we couldn’t have rescued these 22 big cats without your help, we need your continued support. Please help PETA get more animals out of the hands of other cruel exhibitors:
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