Joe Exotic, also known as The Tiger King, captured global attention through his extravagant personality and unorthodox career in exotic animal management.
But beyond the viral Netflix series, his financial journey tells a story of ups and downs, as his various income sources were accompanied by significant legal challenges and controversies.
By investigating Joe Exotic net worth and background, we gain insight into how he built, lost, and attempted to sustain his wealth, despite monumental setbacks.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Joseph Allen Schreibvogel |
| Popular Name | Joe Exotic |
| Net Worth | -$1 million |
| Salary | N/A |
| Birth Date | March 5, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Garden City, Kansas, USA |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in |
| Parents | Francis and Shirley Schreibvogel |
| Siblings | Tamara, Pamela, Yarri, Garold Wayne |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Wife/Spouse | Dillon Passage (2017–2023), Travis Maldonado (2015–2017) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Children | Brandon Chappell |
| Education | Pilot Point High School, Texas |
| Profession | Former Zoo Operator |
| Nationality | American |
What is Joe Exotic Net Worth in 2024?
Joe Exotic’s current net worth sits around -$1 million. This negative valuation is largely due to legal battles, bankruptcy filings, and the substantial $1 million lawsuit he lost to Carole Baskin.
Although his fame skyrocketed with the release of Tiger King, his financial status sharply declined in the wake of his legal troubles. Comparatively:
- Rick Kirkham: Estimated $3 million
- Donald Trump: Estimated $3.9 billion
Joe Exotic Finance Overview
How Joe Exotic Built His Wealth Through the Exotic Animal Park
The foundation of Joe Exotic’s finances originated with his ownership of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, also known as the G.W. Zoo.
He started with a vision to honor his late brother and gradually built the park into a profitable venture. Hosting events, petting sessions, and magic shows became regular revenue channels for him.
The park’s popularity surged when he began staging tiger cub-petting events, charging for photos and interactions. These interactive experiences brought in significant earnings, although they later contributed to his legal troubles over animal welfare.
The Tiger King Documentary
The documentary Tiger King turned Joe Exotic into an international phenomenon. The show’s portrayal of his life and rivalry with Carole Baskin brought widespread attention to him, and with it, new financial opportunities.
This Netflix series catapulted him to a level of fame where he generated revenue indirectly through merchandise, media appearances, and interviews. Despite his fame, legal constraints have limited his ability to capitalize fully, especially as he currently serves a prison sentence.
Legal Battles and Lawsuits
Joe Exotic’s fortune was severely impacted by ongoing legal conflicts, most notably the lawsuit with Carole Baskin, which he lost for $1 million. In an attempt to evade payment, he attempted to transfer ownership of the zoo, but courts overturned his efforts, and Carole Baskin gained control of his zoo assets.
Bankruptcy filings, mounting court fees, and his 22-year prison sentence compounded the financial damage, making any financial recovery unlikely.
Music Career
Joe Exotic explored his musical interests with two albums, I Saw a Tiger and Star Struck. With music videos depicting his life as a Tiger King figure, his musical works added to his brand, even if they generated limited revenue.
Despite his stage presence, his music career served more to amplify his public persona than to establish a reliable income stream.
Political Campaigns and Their Financial Consequences
Joe’s financial strain grew as he pursued the U.S. Presidential candidacy in 2016 and a gubernatorial campaign in Oklahoma in 2018. Running these campaigns proved costly and added further stress to his finances, particularly since neither effort gained significant support.
While they brought publicity, the expenses outweighed any financial or social gains, contributing to his eventual bankruptcy.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Joe Exotic’s partnerships, including those with Rick Kirkham and Jeff Lowe, had mixed results. While Rick Kirkham initially aimed to develop a reality show around his life, a mysterious fire destroyed key footage, ending the project.
His later collaboration with Jeff Lowe saw Lowe taking over the zoo’s operations, which further strained his finances and ultimately cost him the zoo.
Assets: Exotic Animals, Real Estate, and Property Ownership
Joe once controlled valuable assets within the G.W. Zoo, from real estate to his collection of exotic animals, including tigers and alligators.
Although valuable on paper, his assets were entangled in legal issues, with ownership eventually forfeited to Carole Baskin. Attempts to retain control of these assets through transfers proved futile, significantly impacting his financial position.
Financial Troubles From Imprisonment and Attempts
Joe Exotic’s prison sentence added severe restrictions to his earning potential. From within prison, he tried various strategies to regain financial stability, including launching NFTs and collaborating on a new album recorded partially from prison.
Despite these efforts, the financial support from fans has been limited, and any meaningful income remains distant.
Social Media and Public Donations
In recent years, Joe has utilized social media to raise awareness and funds for his legal fees. His public appeals, aimed at fans of Tiger King, have yielded modest financial support.
Crowdfunding and fan donations have helped offset minor legal expenses, though they remain insufficient to address his financial obligations fully.
Joe Exotic Early Life
Joe Exotic, born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel in Garden City, Kansas, grew up as one of five siblings. His early life was marked by a move to Texas, where he attended Pilot Point High School and later worked as a police officer.
His interest in exotic animals began in his twenties when he handled his first baby lions, an experience that set him on his future path as an exotic animal handler.
In 1997, he lost his brother Garold in a tragic accident, a loss that inspired him to establish the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park as a tribute. From then on, his career evolved from a local pet store operator to a prominent, if controversial, figure in the world of exotic animal entertainment.
Joe Exotic Personal Life
Joe Exotic has led a turbulent personal life, with several significant relationships. He was first involved with Brian Rhyne, who sadly passed away in 2001. He later married John Finlay and Travis Maldonado in a three-way ceremony, though his relationship with Finlay ended in a public fallout.
He married Travis Maldonado until his tragic death in 2017 and subsequently married Dillon Passage in 2017. Their marriage persisted during his prison sentence, though Dillon later moved on to a new relationship in 2021.
Each of these partnerships played a role in his story, often involving both moments of support and public controversy.
Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe_exotic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joejschreibvogel/
Twitter: https://x.com/joe_exotic
FAQs About Joe Exotic
How did Joe Exotic become famous?
He became famous through the Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness, which detailed his life as an exotic animal handler and his rivalry with Carole Baskin.
Why did Joe Exotic go to prison?
He was sentenced to 22 years in prison for animal abuse and two counts of attempting to hire someone to kill Carole Baskin.
What happened to Joe Exotic’s zoo?
His zoo, the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, was lost to Carole Baskin following a lawsuit and subsequent legal transfer.
Did Joe Exotic run for president?
Yes, he ran as an independent candidate in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election and later ran for Oklahoma Governor in 2018.
How is Joe Exotic connected to Carole Baskin?
His rivalry with Carole Baskin was a central theme of Tiger King, as they held opposing views on the ethics of exotic animal ownership.
Conclusion
Explore more on Joe Exotic’s life and finances on Iconic Wealth Stats, and join the conversation!
