Carole Baskin: The Controversial Big Cat Activist from The Tiger King

Table of Contents

• Early Life and Background

• Tiger King Fame

• Animal Activism

• Personal Life

• Legacy and Impact

Early Life and Background

Carole Baskin was born Carole Ann Stairs on June 6, 1961 in Bexar County, Texas. She had a difficult childhood, running away from home at just 15 years old. As a teenager, Baskin met her first husband Robert Murdock. The two married in 1979 when Baskin was 18, but divorced several years later in 1981. After the divorce, Baskin started going by her maiden name again.

In 1984, Baskin met Don Lewis, a real estate businessman, at a bar in Florida. The two quickly fell in love, marrying in 1991. Lewis helped fund Baskin's growing passion for animal rescue and advocacy. He also supported her in starting the animal sanctuary Big Cat Rescue.

Tiger King Fame

In 2020, Baskin was featured in the hit Netflix docuseries Tiger King. The series followed the escalating conflict between Baskin and private zoo owner Joe Exotic. Though it brought Baskin fame, she was also troubled by the portrayal of her ongoing issues with Exotic. The show also speculated about her involvement in the disappearance of her husband Don Lewis, who went missing in 1997 and was declared dead in 2002. Baskin vehemently denied having any role in Lewis' disappearance.

The series did bring widespread attention to Baskin's animal advocacy work. Her catchphrase "Hey all you cool cats and kittens!" became a popular meme. Baskin also appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2020, dancing to "Eye of the Tiger."

Animal Activism

Since the 1990s, Baskin has been actively involved in animal rights advocacy. She spoke out about abuses by circuses and exotic animal owners. In 1997, she and Don Lewis founded Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit focused on caring for big cats.

Over the years, Baskin has successfully lobbied for new laws prohibiting people from keeping exotic cats as pets. She helped ban cub petting operations. Baskin also uses media and online platforms to raise awareness of big cat abuse and encourage people to avoid events like circuses that use animal performers.

Personal Life

Baskin's personal life has often been tumultuous. After her husband Don Lewis disappeared in 1997, suspicions circulated about her potential involvement. Baskin adamantly denied these accusations, offering a reward for information on Lewis' whereabouts.

Baskin later met Howard Baskin, marrying him in 2004. The two work together running Big Cat Rescue and advocating for animal rights. Baskin has one daughter from her first marriage. Despite continued harassment related to Lewis' disappearance, Baskin maintains her passionate commitment to protecting big cats.

Legacy and Impact

Though controversial, Baskin has made an undeniable impact through her big cat advocacy. She has brought awareness to animal welfare issues and successfully lobbied for legislative protections. Big Cat Rescue provides a safe home for dozens of big cats rescued from exploitative situations.

Baskin continues to promote ethical treatment of animals through media appearances, lobbying, and educational outreach. She is an influential voice against cub petting, private exotic animal ownership, and the use of big cats in entertainment. Though her methods are unconventional, Baskin's devotion to animal rights is tireless.

—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together.  If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!