
Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado, remains in prison, serving a 21-year sentence after his 2020 conviction on charges of murder-for-hire and animal abuse. He gained global notoriety following the 2020 release of Netflix’s Tiger King, which documented his controversial zoo, the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, and his bitter feud with animal rights activist Carole Baskin. This rivalry eventually led to the murder-for-hire plot, which saw Exotic sentenced to 22 years in prison, though his sentence was later reduced by one year after an appeal.
Exotic has been actively seeking a pardon from former President Donald Trump ever since, hoping to secure his release from prison. In 2020, Trump had jokingly expressed interest in the idea of pardoning Exotic, though nothing came of it. Fast forward to the 2024 election cycle, and Exotic again made his case, writing to Trump through ally Matt Gaetz. In his letter, he mentioned his health struggles, including his battle with cancer, and pointed out what he believes was perjury from government witnesses during his trial. Exotic even suggested he could be appointed as the Director of the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service to “clean up the waste and corruption” in the department.
The day after Trump’s inauguration, Exotic posted an image on Instagram with the message, “President Trump, You forgot me… again,” expressing frustration that he had not received a pardon. In his post, Exotic contrasted his own situation with the pardons granted by Biden to family members and Trump’s decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Exotic pointed out that if he were involved in less conventional activities, like being a crack dealer or breaking into the Capitol, he might have received more attention for his case.
He continued his public outcry on social media, criticizing both Trump and Biden, though he denied slamming them, saying he was just reminding them of his request. He also made a direct appeal to Trump on X, tagging Trump, Gaetz, and even Joe Rogan, and suggesting that Trump give the pardon previously declined by Pamela Hemphill to him instead. Exotic’s social media presence continues to be active, as he encourages his followers to use the hashtag #FreeJoeExotic in support of his release.