Britain Tiger King

"Britain's Tiger King" and the Growing Disdain for Exploiting Big Cats

When Netflix’s Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness captivated millions in 2020, it inadvertently became a catalyst for change. While the series highlighted the disturbing exploitation of big cats by individuals like Joe Exotic, AKA Joe Schreibvogel, it also ignited a global conversation about animal welfare. The shock, disgust, and outrage over such practices paved the way for increased awareness of the cruelty involved in petting and handling captive wild cats.

Fast forward to 2025, and we see the ripple effects of this cultural shift. Terrence Moore, dubbed "Britain's Tiger King," has found himself at the center of scandal and public disapproval for his treatment of animals. Moore, who operated the Cat Survival Trust in Hertfordshire, was convicted of animal welfare offenses and exposed for allowing close contact with big cats under the guise of "unique experiences." His actions echo the exploitative behaviors of Joe Exotic, whose own practices landed him a 22-year prison sentence. Though Moore’s sentence was less severe, his name now carries the same stigma—forever associated with cruelty and ego-driven exploitation.

Moore’s operation involved offering encounters with endangered species without proper licensing, an act that not only disregarded regulations but also showed blatant disrespect for the dignity of these animals. His reliance on homeopathic remedies instead of proper veterinary care further underscores the neglect that ran rampant in his facility. Thankfully, organizations like Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary have stepped in to rehome and care for the rescued cats, ensuring they finally receive the dignity and attention they deserve.

The public outcry against individuals like Moore and Joe Exotic sends a clear message: this behavior is no longer acceptable or fashionable. The days of using big cats as props for selfies, entertainment, or personal gain are coming to an end. The exposure provided by Tiger King played a pivotal role in opening people’s eyes to the horrors behind the scenes, helping to shift societal values toward empathy and conservation.

The United States took a monumental step in addressing these issues with the passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act on December 20, 2022. This groundbreaking legislation made public contact with big cats and their cubs illegal and outlawed the private ownership of these animals as pets. By closing the door on the exploitative industries of cub petting and backyard zoos, this law set a gold standard for how countries can protect big cats while prioritizing public safety and animal welfare. It’s an example the rest of the world should look to as we strive toward a future where these majestic creatures are treated with the respect they deserve.

Today, those who continue to exploit these magnificent creatures for their own ego or profit will not find admiration but rather disgrace. They risk being labeled as villains in a story the world is no longer willing to tolerate. This growing disdain is a sign of progress, a reflection of humanity’s evolving understanding of the natural world and our responsibility to protect it.

The conviction of “Britain’s Tiger King” is more than just a legal outcome—it’s a cultural statement. Let it serve as a warning to those who still exploit animals for personal gain: society is watching, and the consequences will be severe, not just in courtrooms but in public opinion.

Big cats are not commodities; they are majestic, wild beings that belong in their natural habitats, not cages or photo booths. The era of big-cat exploitation is over, and those who refuse to evolve with the times will find themselves left behind, disgraced and remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Read more: https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2025-01-17/big-cats-rehomed-as-britains-tiger-king-faces-ban-over-animal-welfare