Joe Exotic left home at the age of 15 and began working at a pet store. He later started his own exotic animal business, which eventually became the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park. Joe Exotic became known for his flamboyant personality and his controversial views on animal rights. He was also known for his feud with Carole Baskin, the owner of Big Cat Rescue.
Joe Exotic was arrested in 2018 and charged with 17 federal charges, including animal abuse and murder-for-hire. He was convicted on all charges and sentenced to 22 years in prison. He is currently serving his sentence at a federal medical center in Fort Worth, Texas.