“Tiger King” star Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, a familiar face on many a television screen at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, is once again making headlines, revealing the darker side of his tiger-training fame.
In Myrtle Beach, Antle is known as the founder of Myrtle Beach Safari, a 50-acre wildlife preserve that offers “safari” tours and animal encounters to those willing to foot the bill, which can come in around $400 per person. He is also the director of the Rare Species Fund, a South Carolina-based nonprofit.
Antle appeared in the popular “Tiger King” docuseries on Netflix, where he gained fame for his colorful lifestyle, full of exotic animals and many women. However, the spotlight shone on him by Netflix also illuminated some of his illegal dealings. The series brought to light the black-market deals and money schemes that run rampant in the big cat breeding world, turning the public eye to Antle’s own activities…