Joe Exotic, born Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, began his career as a zookeeper in the late 1980s. He started with a small collection of exotic animals at his roadside zoo in East Tulsa, Oklahoma, which he named “Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial and Museum” after his father. Over time, his collection grew to include big cats like tigers and lions, as well as other exotic animals.

Joe Exotic’s rise to fame began in the early 2000s when he started appearing in local news segments due to his unique zoo and his charismatic personality. He then gained national attention in 2011 when he was featured in an episode of the reality TV show “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness” on Netflix. The show documented his eccentric lifestyle and his controversial practices in caring for his exotic animals, propelling him to internet fame.

Joe Exotic’s Net Worth in 2025

As of the latest available information, Joe Exotic’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure is subject to change as his legal and business circumstances evolve.

Joe Exotic’s Career

Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, is a former zookeeper and animal park owner. He gained fame as the star of the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.” Before his rise to fame, he owned and operated the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, where he housed a variety of exotic animals, including big cats.

Other Ventures

In addition to his animal park, Joe Exotic has ventured into music, releasing several country music songs and music videos. He also ran for president in 2016 and 2020, focusing on animal welfare and LGBTQ+ rights. Currently, Joe Exotic is serving a 22-year prison sentence for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and violating wildlife laws.

Assets

Before his legal troubles, Joe Exotic owned the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, which included various animal enclosures, a gift shop, and a café. He also owned a private zoo in Oklahoma, which was later seized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Currently, his assets are primarily made up of his music catalog and any earnings from his involvement in “Tiger King.”

Annual Income

Joe Exotic’s annual income varies greatly due to his legal situation and the success of “Tiger King.” Before his imprisonment, his annual income from the animal park and music sales was estimated to be around $100,000. Since his imprisonment, his income primarily comes from his music catalog and any royalties from “Tiger King,” which is estimated to be around $10,000 – $20,000 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Joe Exotic

Joe Exotic Net Worth: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Joe Exotic’s net worth?

As of 2021, Joe Exotic’s net worth is estimated to be around -$1 million. This is due to his legal fees and the closure of his zoo, which was his primary source of income.

2. How did Joe Exotic make his money?

Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, made his money primarily through his exotic animal park, the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma. He also earned income from his music career and YouTube channel.

3. What happened to Joe Exotic’s zoo?

Joe Exotic’s zoo was shut down in 2018 after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revoked his license due to animal welfare concerns. The zoo was later sold to Jeff Lowe, who also had his license revoked and moved the animals to his own zoo in Thackerville, Oklahoma.

4. Why was Joe Exotic arrested?

Joe Exotic was arrested in 2018 and later convicted on charges of hiring a hitman to murder his rival, Carole Baskin, and for violating the Endangered Species Act. He was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison in January 2020.

5. Is Joe Exotic still in prison?

Yes, Joe Exotic is still in prison. He is currently serving his sentence at the Federal Medical Center, Fort Worth in Texas.

6. Has Joe Exotic’s sentence been reduced or is he eligible for parole?

In July 2020, a federal judge ruled that Joe Exotic’s 22-year sentence was too harsh and ordered a new sentencing hearing. However, in November 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit rejected his appeal, and he remains in prison. He is not yet eligible for parole.

7. What is the Netflix documentary “Tiger King” about?

The Netflix documentary “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness” is about the life of Joe Exotic and the eccentric world of exotic animal parks. The series explores the rivalry between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, leading up to Joe’s arrest and conviction.

8. How much money did Joe Exotic spend on his presidential campaign?

In 2016, Joe Exotic spent around $100,000 on his presidential campaign. He ran as an independent candidate and received less than 0.1% of the vote in Oklahoma.

9. What is Joe Exotic’s relationship with Carole Baskin?

Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin had a long-standing feud, with Joe often criticizing Carole’s animal sanctuary and accusing her of being involved in the disappearance of her husband, Don Lewis. Carole, in turn, reported Joe to the USDA for animal welfare violations, which ultimately led to the closure of his zoo.

10. What is Joe Exotic’s current legal status?

As of now, Joe Exotic has exhausted his appeals and is still serving his 22-year sentence in federal prison. However, he has recently filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging that his constitutional rights were violated during his arrest and trial.