Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, known for his role in the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King,” has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for animal trafficking. On July 8, 2023, Antle, 65, appeared in a Charleston federal court, where he was also fined $55,000. This verdict comes nearly two years after he pleaded guilty to charges associated with trafficking in exotic animals and money laundering in November 2021.
Antle’s legal troubles are part of a broader narrative surrounding “Tiger King,” which gained immense popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series also features Joe Exotic, currently serving a 21-year federal prison sentence for conspiracy to commit murder against fellow star Carole Baskin. While Exotic’s crimes relate to threats against Baskin, Antle’s actions involved the illegal purchase of endangered species for his Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina.
Details of the Sentencing and Charges
During the court proceedings, Prosecutor Patrick Duggan outlined the severity of Antle’s actions, stating he knowingly participated in a black market that exacerbates poaching and smuggling of endangered animals. Antle admitted to laundering over $500,000 to fund his operations, which included acquiring species such as lions, tigers, and chimpanzees without proper permits.
Antle’s defense team argued for leniency, requesting probation or home confinement due to his responsibilities in caring for over 150 exotic animals at his facility. They emphasized that many animals primarily respond to Antle, complicating their care in his absence. Friends and family members expressed their support, highlighting Antle’s charitable efforts, including raising funds to combat poaching and protect wildlife habitats.
Federal guidelines suggested a sentence of approximately two years; however, Judge Joseph Dawson III took into account Antle’s extensive care for the animals. Antle expressed remorse during the hearing, stating, “I made a mistake, I did stupid things,” and conveyed a desire to continue his work with animals upon his release.
Consequences and Ongoing Investigations
Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari, known for allowing patrons to interact with baby animals for significant fees, remains operational by reservation. Customers previously paid around $200 for short sessions with young animals, while sleepovers could cost up to $7,000. Prosecutors indicated that Antle had engaged in illegal sales and purchases of various endangered species for over a decade, utilizing a network that avoided scrutiny until now.
The FBI monitored communications that revealed Antle’s methods for acquiring animals, including a conversation where he noted that cash was often the only acceptable form of payment for transactions involving endangered species. He described the high financial stakes involved, stating, “I had to get a monkey, but the people won’t take a check. They only take cash. So what do you do?”
As a part of his plea deal, Antle must relinquish three chimpanzees he acquired illegally. Two of his employees have already faced penalties for their involvement in these activities. Meredith Bybee received a year of probation for selling a chimpanzee, while Andrew “Omar” Sawyer was sentenced to two years of probation for assisting in the money laundering scheme.
The case against Antle illustrates the ongoing challenges of wildlife trafficking and the legal complexities surrounding the ownership of exotic animals. As authorities continue to address these issues, the implications of Antle’s actions resonate within the broader context of wildlife protection and conservation efforts.
