Tiger Attack at Oklahoma Wildlife Preserve Leaves Trainer Dead in Front of Crowd
A tragic incident unfolded this past Saturday at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma, when 37-year-old animal trainer Ryan Easley was fatally attacked by a tiger during a live performance. The attack occurred in front of a stunned audience, including Easley’s wife and young daughter.
According to Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park, Easley had been working with the tiger—an animal he had raised since it was a cub—when it suddenly turned aggressive during the final moments of the show. “It happened toward the end of a show in which there were people that saw this incident occur,” Park told ABC News. “No one knows, other than God above, as to what made the tiger attack the handler/trainer.”
Witnesses reported that the tiger lunged at Easley without warning, biting him around the neck and shoulder area. Authorities believe he was killed almost instantly. Easley’s wife, who was watching from the sidelines with their daughter, immediately rushed into the enclosure after the tiger stepped back. Displaying remarkable courage, she managed to separate the tiger from her husband’s body and move it into a secure cage.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but Easley was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. The preserve was shut down immediately following the incident, and an investigation is now underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The tiger involved in the attack has been placed in isolation pending further decisions. Animal rights groups and wildlife experts are weighing in on the risks of keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment purposes.
Ryan Easley was a seasoned trainer known for his close bond with the big cats at Growler Pines. Friends and colleagues described him as passionate, fearless, and deeply committed to animal care and education. “He loved those animals like family,” said one fellow trainer. “This is a devastating loss not just for his family, but for the entire animal care community.”
The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve has not yet issued a public statement, and it remains unclear whether future shows will continue. The community is mourning the tragic loss of a man whose life was dedicated to the animals he loved.
Trainer Killed by Tiger During Live Show at Oklahoma Wildlife Preserve
HUGO, OKLA. — A horrifying tragedy unfolded Saturday afternoon at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve when 37-year-old animal trainer Ryan Easley was fatally attacked by a tiger during a live performance. The incident occurred in front of a stunned audience, including Easley’s wife and young daughter.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the preserve around 2 p.m., but Easley was already deceased when they arrived. Authorities say the tiger bit him on the neck and shoulder, likely killing him instantly. His body was later transported to the state Medical Examiner’s Office in Tulsa for an autopsy.
Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park said Easley had raised the tiger since it was a cub and had worked with it for years without incident. “It happened toward the end of a show in which there were people that saw this incident occur,” Park told ABC News. “No one knows, other than God above, as to what made the tiger attack the handler/trainer.”
The tiger walked away after the attack, at which point Easley’s wife rushed into the enclosure and managed to confine the animal to another cage. The preserve was immediately closed to the public following the incident.
In a public statement posted to Facebook, the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve expressed deep sorrow at Easley’s death.
“It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic loss of Ryan Easley, who lost his life in an accident involving a tiger under his care… Ryan was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. His love for animals, especially Big Cats, was evident in every aspect of his life.”
Before joining Growler Pines, Easley ran ShowMe Tigers, a traveling circus-style act featuring big cats. Both the preserve and ShowMe Tigers had passed 32 consecutive U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections without issue, including a re-licensing inspection in January 2025.
The USDA and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation have launched investigations into the fatal incident. Sheriff Park confirmed the tiger has been confined to a secure cage while officials determine what led to the attack.
Easley was widely respected in the wildlife community and known for his dedication to the animals he worked with. As investigations continue, the tragedy has reignited debate over the use of exotic animals in entertainment and the inherent risks involved.
