Few reality TV figures have left as strange and unforgettable a mark on pop culture as Joe Exotic. Known to the world as the self-proclaimed “Tiger King,” Joe’s life has been a rollercoaster of fame, controversy, heartbreak, and prison time. From running a zoo in Oklahoma to becoming the subject of one of Netflix’s most talked-about documentaries, his story reads like a mix of wild ambition and tragedy. But what is Joe Exotic Net Worth and life really like today — and how much is he worth after it all?
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Joseph Allen Maldonado (born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel) |
| Nickname | Joe Exotic, “The Tiger King” |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Garden City, Kansas, United States |
| Age | 62 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Shirley Schreibvogel (mother), Francis Schreibvogel (father) |
| Siblings | Garold Wayne Schreibvogel (deceased brother) |
| Profession | Former zoo operator, animal breeder, TV personality |
| Famous For | Netflix’s Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness |
| Hobbies | Raising big cats, country music, shooting, performing |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 78 kg (172 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| No verified account (unofficial fan pages exist) | |
| Married | Previously married; most notably to Dillon Passage |
| Joe Exotic Net Worth | Estimated $500,000–$1 million (2025) |
| Education | Attended Pilot High School (no college record) |
| Family | Named zoo after brother Garold (“G.W. Exotic Animal Park”) |
Who Is Joe Exotic?
Joe Exotic — whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado — is one of the rare sorts who just seem too bizarre to exist. He’s an ex-zookeeper, lover of country music and self-described “Tiger King.” His notoriety soared after the release of Netflix’s 2020 documentary series Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, which chronicled his strange life, rivalries and criminal conviction.
For years, he had run the G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park in Oklahoma, which housed hundreds of lions, tigers and other big cats. The trio of charisma, controversy and chaos that was Joe Exotic all contributed to making him an indelible figure in the mold of modern pop culture — a man who, were it not for some supremely dark elements at play here, could easily outdo any movie script.
Joe Exotic Net Worth
Joe Exotic’s finances have seen dramatic highs and lows. At his peak, during his zoo’s most successful years, his net worth was estimated around $1–2 million. Much of this came from ticket sales, animal exhibitions, merchandise, and public appearances.
However, his legal troubles changed everything. Following his conviction and imprisonment, Joe’s income sources dwindled. The zoo was taken over, many of his animals were relocated, and he faced millions in legal fees.
As of 2025, Joe Exotic’s net worth is believed to be between $500,000 – $1 million. While he’s far from wealthy, he continues to generate some income through online merchandise, cameo videos, interviews, and book deals. Even from prison, Joe remains a marketable name — proof that controversy can sometimes sustain fame longer than success ever could.
Early Life and Background
Joe Exotic was born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel on March 5, 1963, in Garden City, Kansas. He grew up in a conservative, working-class family where his fascination with animals began at a young age. Joe’s childhood wasn’t easy — he has spoken publicly about feeling isolated and misunderstood, especially after coming out as gay in a time and place where it wasn’t widely accepted.
After high school, Joe explored several career paths. He worked as a police officer in Texas for a brief period before his life took a different turn. When his brother Garold died in a tragic car accident, Joe used the insurance settlement to build a private zoo in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He named it the G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park in honor of his late brother — and that decision would change his life forever.
The Rise of the Tiger King
By the early 2000s, Joe’s zoo had become a local curiosity and eventually a national sensation. His collection of exotic animals — particularly lions, tigers, and ligers — drew both fascination and criticism. Joe’s flamboyant personality, complete with his signature bleach-blonde mullet and cowboy outfits, made him a spectacle all his own.
He didn’t just run a zoo; he performed at it. Visitors often saw Joe singing country songs, posing with tiger cubs, and hosting quirky events that blended showmanship with danger. His larger-than-life persona drew media attention, but so did his questionable animal breeding practices.
Critics accused him of exploiting animals for profit — especially Carole Baskin, the founder of Big Cat Rescue. The bitter feud between Joe and Carole would later become the centerpiece of the Tiger King documentary, sparking memes, debates, and viral fame worldwide.
Criminal Charges and Imprisonment
Joe Exotic’s feud with Carole Baskin went far beyond online insults. In 2019, he was convicted on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of murder-for-hire — for allegedly attempting to pay someone to kill Baskin. He was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison.
The trial painted a grim picture: illegal wildlife sales, euthanizing healthy animals, and a network of questionable business practices. Despite the evidence, Joe maintained his innocence, claiming he was framed and that others in the exotic animal industry had betrayed him.
Personal Life
Even aside from his bizarre ensembles, Joe Exotic’s personal life has always been as colorful. Joe, openly gay in a conservative part of America, had never tried to hide who he was. His relationships, meanwhile, frequently played out in headlines — both for their sweetness and hostility.
He has had several marriages, including to John Finlay, Travis Maldonado and Dillon Passage. His marriage to Travis was abruptly cut short when, in 2017, Travis accidentally shot himself, a tragedy that Joe didn’t recover from.
Professional Life
Before Netflix fame and legal chaos, Joe Exotic was a hardworking animal enthusiast who turned grief into enterprise. After his brother Garold died in a car accident, Joe used the insurance payout to start a small animal sanctuary in 1999. It began as a tribute but quickly evolved into a sprawling attraction known as the G.W. Zoo.
For years, Joe toured with exotic animals, performed in magic shows, and even ran for public office — including a 2016 U.S. presidential bid and a 2018 run for Oklahoma governor. His campaign videos, complete with tigers and country music backdrops, were both bizarre and oddly captivating.
Height and Physical Appearance
The story of Joe Exotic is every bit as outrageous as his appearance. At 5′ 11″ (180 cm) tall and with a weight of approximately 78 kg (172 lbs), his bleach-blonde mullet, cowboy hats, and flamboyant attire make him easy to spot.
His signature look — sparkly shirts and tiger-print jackets included — was part of his brand. With his piercing blue eyes and jagged-edge appeal, Joe built a persona that was somewhere between country-show performer and reality-TV oddball.
The Story of Success
Joe Exotic’s rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. His zoo began as a modest memorial park but grew into one of America’s most notorious private zoos. By offering visitors the chance to pet tiger cubs and take photos with lions, Joe’s business thrived.
He also embraced media attention. Joe produced hundreds of online videos, hosted a local web show, and released several country songs (performed by others but credited to him). His charisma — combined with outrageous antics — made him a social media favorite long before Netflix came calling.
Education
Joe Exotic attended Pilot High School, where he was an average student with an interest in animals and outdoor life. There are no public records of him attending college. Instead, Joe’s education came from life experience — managing animals, learning showmanship, and later, navigating the complexities of fame and notoriety.
Though he lacked formal academic credentials, Joe’s business acumen and promotional skills made him a self-taught entertainer and marketer. His ability to turn even controversy into publicity became one of his strongest — and most dangerous — talents.
Final Word
The path from rural Kansas to Netflix stardom for Joe Exotic, the eccentric star of “Tiger King,” may have been both a long and short one depending on how you weigh those years spent in captivity. His was a life of tragedy, oddity and overreach — a man who wanted to be seen and remembered (even if he’d have to pay for it with blood).
Regardless of if you think he was a victim, villain or misunderstood dreamer, Joe Exotic left his mark. His is both a cautionary tale and a commentary on how fame, ego and obsession can cross over in the digital age.
FAQs
1. What is Joe Exotic’s real name?
Joe Exotic’s real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado (born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel).
2. How old is Joe Exotic in 2025?
He is 62 years old, born on March 5, 1963.
3. Is Joe Exotic still in prison?
As of 2025, yes. His sentence was reduced from 22 to 21 years, but he remains incarcerated while continuing to appeal.
4. What is Joe Exotic net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, much lower than his peak during his zoo years.
5. Was Joe Exotic married?
Yes, he was married several times, most notably to Dillon Passage and Travis Maldonado.
