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Doc Antle Sentenced to One Year Behind Bars in Final ‘Tiger King’ Chapter

The sentence included fines, asset forfeiture, supervised release after Antle pleaded guilty to federal wildlife trafficking charges involving illicit financing.

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This image provided by the Horry County Sheriff's Office in Conway, S.C., shows Bhagavan 'Doc' Antle, a wild animal trainer who was featured in the popular Netflix series 'Tiger King.'
Bhagavan "Doc" Antle leaves the Charleston federal courthouse Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

Overview

  • Antle pleaded guilty in November 2023 to federal counts of trafficking endangered species and laundering over $500,000 tied to an illegal human smuggling scheme.
  • U.S. District Judge Joseph Lawson III sentenced the 65-year-old to 12 months and one day in prison and imposed a $55,000 fine.
  • He must forfeit three chimpanzees and nearly $200,000 that prosecutors linked to transactions through his Rare Species Fund nonprofit.
  • The punishment carries three years of supervised release following completion of his federal prison term.
  • Antle remains free on bail since his June 2022 arrest and his Myrtle Beach Safari attraction continues operating by reservation only.