Tiger trainer mauled to death by one of his cats that turned on him

Oklahoma tiger handler Ryan Easley died on Saturday, reportedly after being attacked by one of the cats he’d trained for years.

While the exact details of the attack are unknown, ABC News reported that the tragedy occurred during “an educational demonstration” with the animal. Despite having raised the animal “since he was a cub,” the cat inexplicably turned on him.

“It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the tragic loss of Ryan Easley, who lost his life in an accident involving a tiger under his care at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve on September 20th, 2025,” the organization wrote in a statement posted to Facebook. ”

“Ryan was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. His love for animals, especially Big Cats, was evident in every aspect of his life. He dedicated his life to the protection and care of these magnificent animals, and he believed deeply in the mission of Growler Pines- to provide a safe and forever enriching home for the animals under his care. Growler Pines was more than just a place of work for Ryan, it was his calling, his passion and his life’s purpose. His courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to wildlife will never be forgotten,” the post continues.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of both the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. Ryan understood those risks- not out of recklessness but out of love. The animals under his care were not just animals to him, but beings he formed a connection with- one rooted in respect, daily care and love. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the animals he protected and the example he set for others who dedicate their lives to working with wildlife.”

The preserve also announced that all tours and encounters will be canceled until further notice.

An Oklahoma Living article from October 2022 reveals more details from the life of the tiger handler:

Ryan and [his wife] Elaine, Choctaw Electric Cooperative members, met while traveling with circuses across the Midwest. Elaine was raised as the seventh generation of her family in the business. Ryan grew up around elephants in St. Louis, Missouri, thanks to his zookeeper father. However, at the age of 21, he visited a circus and was offered an apprenticeship with the tiger trainer. It was an offer he could not resist.

In 2011, his mentor retired and left him with five tigers, including Zeya, a 13-year-old still with the family. The original five formed the foundation of his business, ShowMe Tigers. He added educational components to entertainment — teaching the public how and why they train tigers.

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