Joe Exotic, born Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, began his career in the exotic animal industry in the late 1990s. He started by breeding and selling exotic cats, such as tigers and lions, from his roadside zoo in Oklahoma. This venture initially gained local attention, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that Joe Exotic’s fame started to grow. He began offering private tours of his zoo and even started a wildlife park, which attracted visitors from across the country. It was during this time that Joe Exotic’s unique personality and his love for his animals began to capture the public’s imagination.

Joe Exotics’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Joe Exotic’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This figure is based on the latest available information, taking into account his various business ventures and media appearances.

Joe Exotic’s Career

Joe Exotic, born Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, is a former zoo owner and animal enthusiast who gained fame through his YouTube videos and the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.” He opened his first zoo, the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, in 1999, which later became the subject of controversy due to animal welfare concerns.

Other Ventures

In addition to his zoo, Joe Exotic has ventured into music, releasing several country music albums and singles. He also ran for president in the 2016 U.S. presidential election as an independent candidate, focusing on animal welfare issues.

Assets

Joe Exotic’s primary asset was his zoo, which he lost in a legal battle with animal rights activist Carole Baskin in 2016. The zoo was later transferred to Jeff Lowe, another controversial figure in the “Tiger King” saga. Joe Exotic also owns several vehicles, including a custom-built, bulletproof limousine, and various pieces of music equipment.

Annual Income

Joe Exotic’s annual income is difficult to estimate due to the varied nature of his businesses and the legal issues he has faced. However, since the release of “Tiger King,” he has likely earned a significant amount from media appearances, merchandise sales, and potentially royalties from the documentary series. His annual income could range from hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars, depending on his ongoing business ventures and legal situations.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Joe Exotics

1. What is Joe Exotic’s net worth?

Joe Exotic’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000.

2. How did Joe Exotic make his money?

Joe Exotic made his money primarily through his zoo, the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, and his music career. He also gained significant attention and income from his appearances on the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.”

3. What is Joe Exotic’s real name?

Joe Exotic’s real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage.

4. Where is Joe Exotic from?

Joe Exotic is from Oklahoma, USA. He was born and raised in Garden City, Oklahoma.

5. What is Joe Exotic’s age?

Joe Exotic was born on March 5, 1963, making him 59 years old.

6. What is Joe Exotic’s zodiac sign?

Joe Exotic’s zodiac sign is Pisces, as he was born in March.

7. What is Joe Exotic’s height?

Joe Exotic is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.

8. What is Joe Exotic’s sexual orientation?

Joe Exotic is openly gay. He has been married to three men, including Travis Maldonado and Dillon Passage.

9. What is Joe Exotic’s criminal history?

Joe Exotic has a criminal history that includes convictions for animal abuse and murder-for-hire. He was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison in 2020.

10. 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, USA.