Carole Baskin Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Carole Baskin, a name that has become synonymous with big cat advocacy, began her career in the most unexpected of places: a pet shop. In the early 1970s, she started working at a local pet store in Florida, where her love for animals, particularly big cats, was ignited. It was here that she first encountered a young tiger cub, an encounter that would shape her life’s work.

Her passion for these majestic creatures led her to found Big Cat Rescue, a sanctuary dedicated to providing a safe and permanent home for big cats that have been abandoned, abused, or retired from performing acts. What started as a small sanctuary in the late 1990s has now grown into one of the largest accredited sanctuaries in the United States, housing over 100 big cats. Carole’s tireless efforts to educate the public about the plight of these animals and her advocacy for stronger laws to protect them have made her a prominent figure in the animal welfare community.

Carole Baskin’s Current Net Worth

As of 2025, Carole Baskin’s estimated net worth is $20 million, according to the latest available information. This significant financial growth can be attributed to her various ventures and increased public recognition following the release of the popular Netflix documentary, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.”

Carole Baskin’s Career

Carole Baskin is a prominent animal rights activist and the founder of Big Cat Rescue, a sanctuary dedicated to the care of big cats. She began her career as a dance instructor but shifted her focus to animal welfare after adopting her first bobcat in 1992. Baskin has since become a leading voice in advocating for the protection of wild cats and has been instrumental in passing several pieces of legislation aimed at ending the private ownership of big cats in the United States.

Other Ventures

In addition to her work at Big Cat Rescue, Carole Baskin has also ventured into media and entertainment. She has appeared in various television shows and documentaries, including “Animal Planet’s” “Baskets in the Wild” and “Tiger King.” Baskin has also written a book, “Caged: The Pitfalls of America’s Zoo Industry,” which highlights the mistreatment of animals in captivity.

Assets

Carole Baskin’s assets primarily include Big Cat Rescue, which sits on a 60-acre property in Tampa, Florida. The sanctuary is home to over 80 big cats, including tigers, lions, and leopards. Baskin also owns a wildlife sanctuary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and has investments in various animal welfare organizations. Her personal residence is a 12,000-square-foot mansion in Tampa, Florida.

Annual Income

Carole Baskin’s annual income is primarily derived from donations to Big Cat Rescue, which generates millions of dollars each year. The sanctuary receives funding from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and various fundraising events. Baskin’s income also includes earnings from her media appearances and book sales. However, the exact figure of her annual income is not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Carole Baskin

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Frequently Asked Questions about Carole Baskin’s Net Worth

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1. What is Carole Baskin’s net worth?

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Carole Baskin’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.

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2. How did Carole Baskin make her fortune?

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Carole Baskin made her fortune primarily through her work as a big cat rescuer and the founder of Big Cat Rescue, a sanctuary for big cats in Tampa, Florida. She also gained significant attention and income from her appearance in the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness”.

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3. What is Carole Baskin’s age?

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Carole Baskin was born on June 6, 1961, making her 60 years old as of 2022.

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4. Is Carole Baskin married?

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Yes, Carole Baskin is married to Howard Baskin. They got married in 2004.

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5. How many big cats does Big Cat Rescue have?

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As of 2022, Big Cat Rescue is home to over 50 big cats, including tigers, lions, leopards, and other species.

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6. What happened to Carole Baskin’s first husband?

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Carole Baskin’s first husband, Don Lewis, disappeared in 1997. His disappearance remains unsolved, and the case gained renewed attention due to the “Tiger King” documentary.

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7. Does Carole Baskin have any children?

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No, Carole Baskin does not have any biological children. However, she has been a foster mother to many children over the years.

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8. What is Carole Baskin’s educational background?

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Carole Baskin graduated from the University of Tampa with a degree in business administration.

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9. How can I donate to Big Cat Rescue?

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You can donate to Big Cat Rescue through their official website (bigcatrescue.org) or by mail at P.O. Box 366, Tampa, FL 33601.

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10. What is Carole Baskin’s stance on cub petting?

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Carole Baskin is strongly opposed to cub petting and has been an advocate for ending the practice. She believes that it contributes to the exploitation of big cats and supports legislation to ban the practice.