The zoo featured in the Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness has been permanently closed after failing an inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA said that it has suspended the exhibitor license for Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park and the park's owner Jeffrey Lowe.
According to CNN, USDA inspectors cited the park for numerous animal welfare violations. One of those violations included storing food in a broken refrigerator truck. Workers told the inspectors they had recently repaired the truck, but when asked to provide proof, they showed receipts for a tractor that had been fixed.
Lowe disputes the claim the USDA revoked his license, saying he offered to voluntarily forfeit it.
"Suspiciously, less than 24 hours after I contacted the USDA to voluntarily forfeit my license, they notify me that they are suspending my license for 21 days for a litany of falsehoods," Lowe wrote on Facebook.
Lowe said he plans to open a new park in Thackerville, Oklahoma, which will be used as "a private film set for Tiger King related television content for cable and streaming services."
"In the state of Oklahoma, exotic animal ownership is perfectly legal. Rest assured that all the animals will continue to have excellent care, and consequently will no longer be subject to USDA inspections or PETA spies." Lowe added.
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