Joe Exotic, the “Tiger King” of Netflix fame, has recently made headlines again with his marriage to fellow inmate Jorge Marquez. Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, married Jorge Marquez in prison. The announcement was made in April 2025. They married while Joe Exotic is serving a 21-year prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Joe Exotic and Jorge Marquez
Jorge Marquez is also an inmate, serving time for immigration-related issues. Joe Exotic has expressed his deep affection for Marquez, stating that Marquez has supported him through difficult times, including his battle with cancer while in prison. Joe Exotic has also stated that one of his goals is to get asylum for his husband, or that they will leave the United States together when they are both released.
Joe Exotic gained notoriety through the Netflix documentary, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.” He is serving a 21-year prison sentence for a murder-for-hire plot against animal rights activist, Carol Baskin, as well as wildlife violations. This is Joe Exotic’s third marriage.
Joe Exotic’s Personal Life
Joe’s personal life has been a subject of public fascination, and his marriage while incarcerated adds another chapter to his story. Joe Exotic has also been known to ask for a presidential pardon, in hopes of being released from prison. This marriage has drawn much media attention, given Joe’s already high profile. Joe’s life is a complex and highly publicized story, largely brought to the forefront by the Netflix documentary.
Born Joseph Schreibvogel, he had various jobs before opening a pet store with his brother. Following his brother’s death, he founded the G. W. Zoo in Oklahoma. He became known for his large collection of exotic animals, particularly big cats. The zoo became a source of both fascination and controversy. Joe Exotic’s practices, including breeding and exhibiting tiger cubs, drew criticism from animal rights activists. His long-standing feud with Carol Baskin, an animal rights activist, became a central part of his story.
He was convicted on charges including a murder-for-hire plot against Carol Baskin. Due in part to the Netflix documentary, he became a pop culture phenomenon, with his eccentric personality and legal troubles capturing public attention. His life has been filled with many marriages, and those relationships have also been well documented by the media.
Joe has continued to generate media attention from inside of prison, including running for political offices, and his most recent marriage. In essence, Joe Exotic’s life is a story of a man who built an exotic animal park, became embroiled in controversy, and ultimately ended up in prison, all while becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Joe’s Exotic Zoo Journey
Joe’s journey from eccentric zookeeper to convicted felon and pop culture icon is marked by a series of dramatic twists and turns. His Oklahoma zoo, initially a roadside attraction, grew into a sprawling menagerie housing hundreds of animals, including numerous big cats. This venture brought him both local fame and increasing scrutiny from animal welfare organizations. His flamboyant personality, often displayed through online videos and public appearances, further cemented his unique public image.
The escalating feud with Carol Baskin became a defining aspect of his narrative. Their animosity, fueled by differing views on animal captivity and public accusations, ultimately culminated in Joe’s attempt to hire someone to kill Baskin. This plot, along with evidence of wildlife violations, led to his arrest and subsequent conviction.
The release of “Tiger King” in 2020 transformed Joe Exotic from a regional curiosity into a global sensation. The documentary highlighted the bizarre world of private zoos, the intense personalities involved, and the shocking criminal allegations. Despite his incarceration, Joe Exotic has remained in the public consciousness, maintaining an active presence through social media and interviews, often proclaiming his innocence and seeking public support for his release. His recent marriage while in prison continues to underscore the unconventional nature of his life story.
