Jeff Lowe from Netflix's Tiger King has been ordered to hand over all his remaining exotic animals.
Local media reports Jeff and his wife Lauren have agreed to give authorities their collection of 61 animals, which include porcupines, camels, lemurs, bobcats, ferrets, raccoons, and foxes.
The Justice Department filed a civil complaint back in November that they were violating the Endangered Species Act and Animal Welfare Act and accused them of 'inhumane treatment'.
Advert
This was after the Lowes had lost their license to hold exotic animals in August 2020.
It wasn't until January this year that US District Judge John F. Heil III ordered them to stop breeding their animals and they had to give over nearly 70 big cats.
The couple were housing dozens of animals at the zoo that used to be owned by Tiger King star Joseph Maldonado-Passage.
Advert
The confiscated animals include 46 tigers, seven lions, 15 lion-tiger hybrids and one jaguar.
The Department of Justice said in a press release that it had 'conducted three inspections of Tiger King Park in Thackerville, Oklahoma, since mid-December 2020'.
During these visits, government officials issued multiple citations to the Lowes for failing to properly care for the zoo's animals.
Advert
The release said: "During these inspections, the Lowes received citations for failing to provide the animals with adequate or timely veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and shelter that protects them from inclement weather and is of sufficient size to allow them to engage in normal behavior.
"The Lowes were recently found in contempt after months of noncompliance with court orders requiring the Lowes, in part, to employ a qualified veterinarian and establish and maintain a program of veterinary care that meets the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act.
"The United States alleges that these violations as to ESA-protected animals also constitute violations of the ESA."
The Department of Justice declared last week that the Lowes had 'abandoned their right, title, and interest in the animals remaining at the Tiger King park'.
Advert
The DOJ has until August 20 to take control of the 61 animals being handed over.
Big Cat Rescue founder and CEO, Carole Baskin, was pleased to see Lowe prevented of owning any exotic animals on a large scale park.
She told KXII this is a massive win for animal welfare advocates.
Advert
"There have been a number of huge rescues and seizures in the last few years, with anywhere between 50 to over 100 big cats at these tiger mills where people are breeding these big cats," she said.
"One by one we're seeing more of these places go under, or have the animals seized and more of these animals are going to live at sanctuaries, so it's all a step in the right direction."
Featured Image Credit: NetflixTopics: Tiger King, Entertainment, Celebrity