Netflix's Tiger King Review: 8 Things We Learned
6. The Wildlife Trade Attracts Some Interesting Characters
It's probably not exactly surprising that an industry that trades wild animals like commodities is going to attract some of life's more colourful characters, but Tiger King contains an even crazier cast of wildlife enthusiasts that you might have expected.
We've already talked at length about the holy grail of unconventional entrepreneurs in Antle and Exotic, but that merely scratches the surface of those featured in the series.
I mean, one of the most normal-seeming people in the entire documentary is Mario Tabraue, at least based on his views on the animals. Then you realise he was a notorious drug lord that would stuff live snakes full of drugs in order to transport them internationally, and may or may not have had a hand in the murder and dismemberment of a federal drug informant tasked with taking him down.
Next, you have Jeff Lowe, who arrives at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park as something of a financial saviour. However, later in the series, it is revealed that Jeff used his position as the primary benefactor in the zoo to muscle Exotic out.
And these are just two of the eccentric supporting cast.
Though, I suppose to be the kind of person that would treat a wild animal that could kill you at any moment like a domestic pet you'd have to be a little crazy.