Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, a prominent figure from the popular Netflix series “Tiger King,” has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for violating federal laws related to animal trafficking. On July 8, 2025, the 65-year-old was also fined $55,000 after admitting to purchasing endangered animals for his zoo in South Carolina, known as the Myrtle Beach Safari. This conclusion follows a guilty plea made in November 2023, where Antle acknowledged his involvement in exotic animal trafficking and money laundering.
Antle’s sentencing marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal issues surrounding “Tiger King.” The series, which gained immense popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, features various individuals involved in the private zoo trade, including Joe Exotic, currently serving a 21-year prison sentence for his own crimes, including conspiracy to commit murder against fellow animal rights advocate Carole Baskin.
The court heard from Prosecutor Patrick Duggan, who highlighted the severity of Antle’s actions. Antle was found to have engaged in the illegal trade of endangered species such as chimpanzees, lions, tigers, and cheetahs, contributing to a black market that threatens wildlife. “He was knowingly and illegally trading them as part of a black market that drives another black market of poaching and smuggling,” Duggan stated during the proceedings.
Antle’s legal team sought a more lenient sentence, arguing that their client needed to care for approximately 150 exotic animals that consume around 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) of meat daily. They emphasized that many of these animals are accustomed to Antle’s presence and would struggle to adapt without him. Family and friends filled the federal courtroom in Charleston, pleading with Judge Joseph Dawson III to consider Antle’s contributions to wildlife conservation, which reportedly included raising substantial funds to combat poaching.
Despite federal sentencing guidelines suggesting a two-year prison term, Judge Dawson acknowledged the evidence of Antle’s genuine care for the animals. He ultimately decided on a sentence that reflects both the crime and Antle’s character. Antle expressed remorse at the conclusion of the hearing, stating, “I made a mistake, I did stupid things,” while expressing hope for a chance to rectify his actions.
The Myrtle Beach Safari, where Antle is known for offering experiences that allow visitors to interact with baby animals, remains operational but now requires reservations. Customers have previously paid significant sums for the opportunity to pet and hold young animals, with charges reaching as high as $7,000 for overnight stays.
Federal authorities uncovered that Antle had engaged in illegal transactions for over a decade, laundering more than $500,000 to facilitate the purchase of exotic animals. Prosecutors noted that Antle had skillfully navigated the legal landscape, often disguising purchases as donations to his conservation foundation, while actually moving animals to his facility.
Antle will relinquish three chimpanzees as part of his plea deal, while two of his former employees have already faced consequences for their roles in the trafficking schemes. Meredith Bybee received a year of probation for selling a chimpanzee, and Andrew “Omar” Sawyer was sentenced to two years of probation for assisting in money laundering activities. Other individuals linked to the case, including a Texas private zoo owner, have also received sentences for similar offenses.
Antle’s case sheds light on the broader issues of wildlife trafficking and the exploitation of endangered species, raising questions about the ethics of private zoos and the responsibilities of those who care for exotic animals.
