UPDATE
3:51 p.m. PT — Federal law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation tell us the charges relate to money laundering. He will be in court next week.
Doc Antle – who found fame among the sea of “Tiger King” characters – was arrested in South Carolina.
Online jail records show the 62-year-old – his real name, Bhagavan’s pitchfork – was booked in the last hour in Horry County, South Carolina. Interestingly enough, the arresting agency is the FBI…although, at this time, it’s unclear why he was arrested.
Antle is the owner of Myrtle Beach Safari and has received much criticism over the years for his operation, many of which are due to celebrity visits he is detained.
However, in October 2020 he was charged in Virginia for wildlife trafficking after an investigation found evidence he trafficked lion cubs between South Carolina and Virginia.
After the indictment, Doc told us, “I am terribly shocked and disappointed by the charges that have been filed against me by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and how they have sought to implicate my daughters in this case. I categorically deny any act or conduct that could be considered “animal cruelty”.
He is also criticized by PETA for hosting guests like Larsa Pippen and Chris Brownher daughter, Royalties, and allowing them to interact with young animals.
Story development…
Originally Posted — 3:37 PM PT