USDC IN/ND case 1:25-cv-00239-HAB-SLC document 8-4 filed 05/21/25 page 1 of 4
EXHIBIT 2
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PRESS RELEASE:
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary Denounces
“Tiger King” Pleas for Formally-Owned Tiger’s Healthcare
DATED: May 16, 2025
In 2020, the world was captivated by the Netflix show “Tiger King” featuring a man
known as Joe Exotic. In 2021, the Department of Justice seized the animals, then in Jeff
and Lauren Lowe’s custody, for terrible and illegal conditions. Black Pine Animal
Sanctuary took over custody in early 2022 of four tigers - providing appropriate and
compassionate medical, behavioral and enrichment programs for these residents,
tailored to each of their needs, which are quite complex due to their breeding and the
living conditions in their early years of life. Joe Exotic is in federal prison after being
convicted and sentenced to 22 years on 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two
counts of attempted murder for hire.
Joe Exotic's latest legal move, targeting Black Pine Animal Sanctuary over white Bengal
tiger, Elvis, raises questions about ethics and animal rights. While Exotic defends his
breeding practices, the sanctuary emphasizes the need for stricter laws when it comes
to exotic animal ownership and breeding.
The tigers, now owned by Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, present an array of medical
concerns. The Sanctuary is hosting a weekend of dental care this weekend for some of
their biggest residents. In an attempt to avoid putting Elvis under anesthesia twice, it
was decided he would be neutered at the time of his dental and thorough physical
exam.
Spaying and neutering of big cats in sanctuary care is commonly accepted best
practice and is performed by and under the guidance and supervision of qualified
veterinarians. True sanctuaries which provide lifetime care do not breed the
animals in their care. These procedures also offer many health benefits to the
animals, such as lower rates of cancer, a better quality of life mentally and
emotionally, and ultimately, studies show that these big cats will live longer.
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Black Pine Animal Sanctuary does not buy, sell, breed, trade, or use animals for
commercial purposes. Residents include big cats, bears, monkeys, birds, reptiles and
more.
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is a Global Federation of Animal Sanctuary accredited
campus - obtained for their significant and trusted programs to improve the quality of life
for their 70+ residents, for the REST of their lives.
The exotic pet industry is a $40B industry worldwide. Once these animals become
mature, they are likely euthanized or rehomed at Sanctuaries as they are not
appropriate as “pets” due to aggression and natural behaviors. Sanctuaries like Black
Pine only exist due to human-led breeding and purchasing of these poor animals.
Humane World for Animals (Formerly, The Humane Society of the United States) says,
“Everyone who cares about the fate of animals exploited by the animal entertainment
and exhibition industries has a debt of gratitude to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary and
other accredited sanctuaries,” said Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director for
Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States.
“After these sensitive, complex creatures no longer generate a profit for greed-driven
exhibitors or are seized from bad actors, accredited sanctuaries like Black Pine step in
to provide emergency shelter, critical veterinary care, and appropriate, enriched
environments in which wild animals can live in peace and safety, the very thing they
have always needed and deserved.”
Due to the recent challenges from Exotic’s legal representative, Elvis will not receive the
medical care he needs as planned this weekend - the procedure has now been
postponed until a future date. This is not indicative of a violation of any animal welfare
acts but a mere attempt to save precious donor dollars. As a non-profit, Black Pine
chooses to focus the organization’s resources on animal care. Our donors trust us to
use their gifts to provide our animal residents with the REST of their lives. Having
resources tied up in publicity-stunt legal battles only continues to take away from
animals who have always deserved better.
Black Pine encourages donations to be made at bpsanctuary.org in order to provide
excellent medical, behavioral and environmental care for their residents.
MISSION:
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary exists to provide a refuge to captive-raised exotic animals
while educating, advocating, and building awareness about animal welfare.
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MORE QUESTIONS?
Director of Development, Melissa Osborn, melissa@blackpine.org or 260.318.1546.
LOCATION
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is located at 1426 W. Main St., Albion, IN 46701. It
opened for the season May 2, 2025.
Learn more about the sanctuary at www.bpsanctuary.org.
