Joe Exotic, born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel, became a reality TV personality and zoo operator best known for the Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. Once running the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (G.W. Zoo) in Oklahoma, he rose to fame for his eccentric personality, big cats, and controversial animal practices, including tiger breeding and cub petting.
Today, Joe Exotic’s story is one of extreme highs and lows from being a viral sensation and presidential candidate to a convicted felon serving 22 years in federal prison. This article explores his net worth, career, family, relationships, and legal troubles, offering a detailed look at how his public image, once fueled by fame and fortune, eventually led to his downfall.
Joe Exotic Wiki/Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Joseph Allen Schreibvogel |
| Stage Name | Joe Exotic |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1963 |
| Age (2025) | 62 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Garden City, Kansas, USA |
| Hometown | Wynnewood, Oklahoma, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde (bleached mullet) |
| Profession | Reality TV Personality, Zoo Operator, Country Music Artist |
| Known For | Netflix Documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness |
| Zoo Name | Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (G.W. Zoo) |
| Other Names of Zoo | Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park |
| Net Worth (2025) | Around $1 Million |
| Main Income Sources | Zoo Operations, Music, TV Royalties, Merchandise |
| Sexual Orientation | Openly Gay |
| Spouses / Husbands | Brian Rhyne, John Finlay, Travis Maldonado, Dillon Passage |
| Parents | Francis and Shirley Schreibvogel |
| Conviction | Murder for Hire, Animal Abuse, Wildlife Records Falsification |
| Prison Sentence | 22 Years Federal Prison |
| Political Involvement | 2016 U.S. Presidential Candidate, 2018 Oklahoma Governor Candidate (Libertarian Party) |
| Health Issues | Prostate Cancer (Reported) |
| Residence (Before Arrest) | Wynnewood, Oklahoma |
| Current Location (2025) | Federal Prison, USA |
| Instagram Followers | 363K Followers |
| Facebook Followers | 155K Followers |
Joe Exotic Net Worth and Income Sources
Joe Exotic’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $1 Million, significantly lower than during his zoo’s peak years.
He made money primarily as a zoo operator, country music artist, and reality TV personality. His Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (G.W. Zoo) generated substantial income through cub petting, animal shows, and tourism. He also earned royalties from the Tiger King Netflix documentary, but most of his earnings were consumed by legal fees and fines linked to his federal charges and conviction.
During his fame, Joe Exotic sold branded merchandise, hosted magic shows, and performed music videos portraying his flamboyant lifestyle. However, after his murder for hire case and imprisonment, his financial status plummeted. Despite this, his name continues to generate income indirectly through media rights, documentaries, and public interest.
Early Life of Joe Exotic
Joe Exotic was born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel on March 5, 1963, in Garden City, Kansas.
He spent his early years in a modest family before moving to Arlington, Texas, where he developed a fascination with animals. His early life was marked by hardship and self-discovery. Growing up, he faced bullying and family conflicts due to his sexuality, which shaped his unique and rebellious personality.
After losing his brother Garold Wayne, Joe opened the Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park, later known as G.W. Zoo, in his memory. This park became the foundation of his career and his identity as “Joe Exotic.” His life took a dramatic turn from being a small-town boy to becoming one of America’s most notorious zoo operators.
Joe Exotic Education
Joe Exotic completed his schooling in Arlington, Texas, though there is limited information about his college education.
He never pursued higher education formally but was known for his hands-on experience with exotic animals and zoo management. His lack of academic training didn’t stop him from mastering animal care techniques and building one of the most talked-about private zoos in the United States.
Joe’s passion and curiosity led him to experiment with tiger breeding, cub petting, and creating unique public experiences around wildlife. While he lacked professional credentials, his charisma and natural animal-handling skills helped him gain followers and visitors from around the world.
Joe Exotic Family
Joe Exotic came from a working-class family. His parents, Francis and Shirley Schreibvogel, raised him and his siblings in Kansas and later Texas.
His family dynamics were complicated. Joe had several siblings, including Garold Wayne, whose death deeply impacted him and inspired the creation of his zoo. Over the years, Joe’s relationships with his family became strained, especially after his public scandals and controversial fame.
Despite his personal issues, Joe Exotic often expressed deep love for his late brother and credited him for motivating his career in animal care. His family rarely appears in public now, preferring to remain out of the spotlight surrounding Joe’s legal troubles.
Joe Exotic Parents
Joe Exotic’s parents, Francis Schreibvogel and Shirley Schreibvogel, were of German descent and raised their children with traditional values.
His relationship with his parents was reportedly difficult, especially after he came out as gay. Joe claimed his father refused to accept his sexuality, which became one of the emotional turning points in his life. Despite their disagreements, Joe remained grateful for the upbringing that taught him resilience.
His parents’ conservative beliefs clashed with Joe’s flamboyant personality, but their influence can still be seen in his determination and independence.
Joe Exotic Age
As of 2025, Joe Exotic is 62 years old.
Born in 1963, his life spans over six decades filled with extraordinary highs and lows — from being a zoo operator and country music artist to a convicted felon. Even from federal prison, Joe remains a figure of fascination for his fans worldwide.
Joe Exotic Physical Stats
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Joseph Allen Schreibvogel |
| Stage Name | Joe Exotic |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde (bleached mullet) |
| Distinctive Features | Tattoos, piercings, flashy style |
| Body Type | Average, fit build |
| Age (2025) | 62 years old |
Career
- Joe Exotic began his career as a pet store owner before founding the Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park in Oklahoma.
- His zoo became famous for housing big cats, tigers, and other exotic animals, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Joe’s ability to blend entertainment with animal exhibition made his park unique. He also ventured into music, releasing country songs like Here Kitty Kitty, often inspired by his life and rivalry with Carole Baskin of Big Cat Rescue.
- In addition to his zoo and music career, Joe Exotic ran for president in 2016 and for Oklahoma Governor in 2018 under the Libertarian Party. His campaigns gained media attention for their eccentricity and humor. However, his career came crashing down when he was arrested for murder for hire, animal abuse, and wildlife records falsification — leading to his 22-year prison conviction.
Joe Exotic Social Presence
| Platform | Followers |
| 363K Followers | |
| 155K Followers |
Joe Exotic Recent Updates
In recent years, Joe Exotic has been battling prostate cancer while serving time in prison.
He continues to appeal his federal charges, claiming innocence in the murder for hire case against Carole Baskin. In 2024, he filed new legal motions seeking early release for health reasons. Rumors of new documentaries and interviews about his life continue to circulate, keeping him in the media spotlight.
Public Image and Its Effect on His Finances
Joe Exotic’s public image shifted dramatically from a beloved zoo owner to a convicted felon.
The Netflix documentary Tiger King made him a viral sensation, but it also exposed his legal and ethical issues. His reputation as an entertainer clashed with the reality of animal abuse and Endangered Species Act violations. As a result, most of his income sources dried up, leaving him nearly bankrupt.
However, his fame continues to generate indirect income through merchandise sales and media references. Despite financial ruin, Joe Exotic remains a pop culture icon whose story continues to fascinate millions.
Joe Exotic House
Before imprisonment, Joe Exotic lived within the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma.
His home was surrounded by big cats, tigers, and exotic animals, symbolizing his deep connection with his zoo. After his arrest, the property was transferred and later closed. Joe no longer owns a personal residence, and his possessions were auctioned to pay legal debts.
Joe Exotic Movies and Tv Shows
Joe Exotic’s life has been featured in several documentaries and adaptations.
The Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness (2020) made him an overnight celebrity. Other media projects include Joe vs. Carole (Peacock series, 2022), where actor John Cameron Mitchell portrayed him. Numerous reality TV specials and interviews have further cemented his place in pop culture.
Conclusion
Joe Exotic’s journey from Joseph Allen Schreibvogel, a small-town zoo operator, to an infamous convicted felon is one of the most extraordinary stories in modern entertainment. His life embodies ambition, controversy, and the dangers of fame. Through the Tiger King phenomenon, Joe became both a symbol of obsession with fame and a cautionary tale of moral downfall.
Despite his 22-year prison sentence, health challenges, and lost wealth, Joe Exotic remains a figure who continues to attract worldwide attention. His story highlights the complex intersection of entertainment, ethics, and human desire for recognition ensuring that Joe Exotic’s name will not be forgotten anytime soon.
FAQs
How much did Joe Exotic’s zoo sell for?
Joe Exotic’s Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park reportedly sold for around $140,000, following his arrest and the legal transfer of ownership to new parties.
Who owns Tiger King zoo now?
The Tiger King zoo was transferred to Carole Baskin of Big Cat Rescue in 2020 after court rulings related to trademark dispute and property rights.
How much did Joe Exotic make from Netflix?
Joe Exotic reportedly earned less than $20,000 directly from the Tiger King Netflix documentary, as most profits went to producers and legal settlements.
How long is Joe Exotic incarcerated?
Joe Exotic is serving a 22-year prison sentence for murder for hire, animal abuse, and federal wildlife violations, beginning his term in 2020.
