Dressed up in a blue plaid suit with his trademark silver ponytail, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle worked a waiting room filled with supporters just outside the courtroom where a judge would decide his fate.
The 65-year-old sported a smile as he often did during the 2020 television series that made him a star, “Tiger King”. But with fame came scrutiny of his Myrtle Beach Safari and eventually a guilty plea in 2023 to trafficking exotic animals as well as money laundering.
After numerous sentencing delays and a plethora of sealed documents, prosecutors and defense attorneys finally haggled it out Tuesday.
The defense put up character witnesses as they fought for home detention, arguing Antle loves and cares for his elephant, lions, tigers and chimpanzees among other animals.
But prosecutors pushed for incarceration saying a message must be sent to Antle and others who wish to profit from wild and endangered animals. They argued he violated the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking illegal wildlife.
Antle spoke briefly, too.
“I made a mistake. I did a stupid thing.”
Three hours later, Judge Joseph Dawson III sentenced Antle to one year and one day in federal prison. He also fined him $55,000.
The Tiger King’s smile was long gone. He glared and tugged at his beard.
“We think the message of a custodial sentence will serve as a deterrent,” said Prosecutor Amy Bower immediately after the sentencing.
“Most importantly for his wildlife offenses but also any future laundering to get funds to purchase illegal wildlife.”
Brittany Peet with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spoke after the hearing as well.
“One of the most important things about today is that after 30 years of operating outside of the law and getting away with it, that stopped today,” she said.
Antle, flanked by his attorneys, left the courthouse in silence. He has 60 days to turn himself in, as the judge decides where he will serve time behind bars.
