Joe Exotic Net Worth, Biography, Early Life, Education, Age, Height, Family, Relationship, Personal Life, Career, and More

Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage, is one of the most controversial and fascinating figures in recent pop culture history. Known for his flamboyant personality, his role in the hit Netflix documentary Tiger King, and his legal troubles, Joe Exotic has become a household name. This article delves into his net worth, biography, early life, education, age, height, family, relationships, personal life, career, and more.

Joe Exotic Net Worth

As of 2023, Joe Exotic’s net worth is estimated to be -$1 million, reflecting his financial struggles and legal battles. At the peak of his career, Joe Exotic owned and operated the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, which housed hundreds of exotic animals, including tigers, lions, and other big cats. His zoo attracted thousands of visitors annually, generating significant revenue. However, his lavish lifestyle, legal fees, and the eventual shutdown of his zoo due to animal welfare violations and financial mismanagement led to his financial downfall.

Joe Exotic’s legal troubles, including his conviction for attempting to hire a hitman to murder his rival Carole Baskin and multiple counts of animal abuse, further drained his resources. While he once enjoyed a life of relative luxury, his current net worth is in the negative, with debts far outweighing his assets. Despite his financial woes, Joe Exotic remains a prominent figure, thanks to the continued popularity of Tiger King and his ongoing attempts to appeal his prison sentence.

Who is Joe Exotic?

Joe Exotic is a former zookeeper, exotic animal breeder, and reality TV personality who gained international fame through the Netflix documentary series Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness. Born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel, he legally changed his name to Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage after marrying his husband, Dillon Passage. Joe Exotic is known for his eccentric personality, his love for big cats, and his tumultuous relationships with colleagues and rivals, particularly Carole Baskin of Big Cat Rescue.

His larger-than-life persona, complete with bleached hair, cowboy hats, and a penchant for country music, made him a memorable character. However, his life took a dark turn when he was convicted of multiple crimes, including animal abuse and a murder-for-hire plot. Despite his incarceration, Joe Exotic remains a polarizing figure, with many fans and critics debating his legacy.

Joe Exotic Biography

Joe Exotic’s life story is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Born on March 5, 1963, in Garden City, Kansas, he grew up in a rural setting, which likely influenced his love for animals. Over the years, he transformed himself from a small-town boy into a flamboyant zookeeper and internet sensation. His journey is marked by ambition, controversy, and tragedy.

Joe Exotic’s biography is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, legal battles, and personal losses, he managed to carve out a niche for himself in the world of exotic animal breeding. However, his story also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of unethical behavior.

Joe Exotic Early Life

Joe Exotic was born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel in Garden City, Kansas. He grew up in a modest household with his parents and siblings. From a young age, Joe showed a keen interest in animals, often spending time outdoors and caring for pets. His early life was marked by a sense of adventure and a desire to stand out from the crowd.

Tragedy struck when Joe was just five years old, as his older brother, Garold Wayne Schreibvogel, passed away in a car accident. This event had a profound impact on Joe and his family, shaping his outlook on life. In honor of his brother, Joe later named his exotic animal park the Garold Wayne Exotic Animal Memorial Park. Despite the challenges he faced, Joe’s early life laid the foundation for his future career as a zookeeper and animal enthusiast.

Joe Exotic Education

Joe Exotic’s educational background is relatively modest. He attended public schools in Kansas and did not pursue higher education. Instead, he focused on his passion for animals and entrepreneurship. Joe’s lack of formal education in zoology or animal science did not deter him from pursuing his dreams, as he learned through hands-on experience and self-study.

While some critics have pointed to his lack of formal training as a contributing factor to his legal troubles, others argue that Joe’s practical knowledge and dedication to his craft were evident in the success of his zoo. Regardless, his unconventional path to success highlights the importance of passion and determination in achieving one’s goals.

Joe Exotic Age

As of 2023, Joe Exotic is 60 years old, having been born on March 5, 1963. Despite his age, Joe remains a prominent figure in popular culture, thanks to the enduring popularity of Tiger King. His age has not diminished his larger-than-life personality, and he continues to captivate audiences with his story.

Joe Exotic Height

Joe Exotic stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. While his height may not be extraordinary, his personality and charisma have always made him stand out in a crowd. His distinctive appearance, complete with colorful outfits and bold hairstyles, has become synonymous with his brand.

Joe Exotic Family

Joe Exotic comes from a close-knit family, though his relationships with them have been complicated. He was born to Francis and Shirley Schreibvogel and has several siblings. His family has been both supportive and critical of his actions over the years, particularly in light of his legal troubles.

Joe’s family played a significant role in his life, especially after the death of his brother Garold. In honor of Garold, Joe named his exotic animal park after him, showcasing the deep bond they shared. Despite the controversies surrounding Joe, his family has remained a constant presence in his life.

Joe Exotic Personal Life

Joe Exotic’s personal life has been as colorful and controversial as his public persona. He has been married multiple times, with his relationships often making headlines. Joe is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, though his personal life has been marred by drama and heartbreak.

In addition to his marriages, Joe has faced numerous personal challenges, including financial difficulties, legal battles, and health issues. Despite these setbacks, he has remained resilient, continuing to fight for his freedom and his legacy.

Married With Dillon Passage

Joe Exotic’s most well-known relationship is with Dillon Passage, whom he married in 2017. The couple met at a bar, and their relationship quickly blossomed. Dillon stood by Joe during his legal troubles, though their marriage has faced its share of challenges.

Dillon Passage has been a vocal supporter of Joe, often speaking out about his innocence and advocating for his release from prison. Their relationship has been a source of both comfort and controversy for Joe, as it has kept him in the public eye.

Joe Exotic Relationships With Dillon Passage

Joe Exotic and Dillon Passage’s relationship has been a focal point of media attention. Despite their age difference, the couple shared a strong bond, with Dillon often visiting Joe in prison and maintaining contact through letters and phone calls. Their relationship has been tested by Joe’s incarceration, but Dillon has remained loyal.

The couple’s love story is a testament to their commitment to each other, even in the face of adversity. While their future remains uncertain, their relationship continues to be a significant part of Joe’s life.

Who is Dillon Passage?

Dillon Passage is Joe Exotic’s husband and a key figure in his life. Born on October 14, 1994, Dillon is significantly younger than Joe, but their age difference has not hindered their relationship. Dillon has been a steadfast supporter of Joe, often defending him in the media and advocating for his release.

Before meeting Joe, Dillon worked as a bartender and lived a relatively quiet life. However, his relationship with Joe thrust him into the spotlight, and he has since become a public figure in his own right. Dillon’s loyalty to Joe has made him a beloved figure among fans of Tiger King.

Joe Exotic Children

Joe Exotic does not have any biological children, but he has considered the animals in his zoo as his family. He often referred to the big cats under his care as his “children,” showcasing his deep affection for them. While this perspective has been criticized by animal rights activists, it highlights Joe’s unique bond with the animals he cared for.

Joe Exotic Career

Joe Exotic’s career began with his passion for animals, which led him to establish the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park. Over the years, he built a reputation as a flamboyant and controversial figure in the world of exotic animal breeding. His career reached new heights with the release of Tiger King, which brought him international fame.

However, Joe’s career was also marked by legal troubles, including allegations of animal abuse and his conviction for a murder-for-hire plot. Despite these setbacks, Joe’s impact on the world of exotic animal breeding and popular culture cannot be denied.

Joe Exotic Tiger King

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness is the Netflix documentary series that catapulted Joe Exotic to fame. The series explores the world of big cat breeding and the feud between Joe and Carole Baskin. It also delves into Joe’s personal life, legal troubles, and the controversies surrounding his zoo.

The documentary became a cultural phenomenon, sparking widespread debate and fascination. While it brought Joe fame, it also exposed the darker aspects of his life and career. Tiger King remains a defining chapter in Joe Exotic’s story.

Summary

Joe Exotic’s life is a complex tapestry of ambition, controversy, and resilience. From his humble beginnings in Kansas to his rise as a zookeeper and reality TV star, Joe’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Despite his legal troubles and financial struggles, he remains a captivating figure, thanks to the enduring popularity of Tiger King.

FAQs

1. What is Joe Exotic’s net worth in 2023?
As of 2023, Joe Exotic’s net worth is estimated to be -$1 million, reflecting his financial struggles and legal battles.

2. How old is Joe Exotic?
Joe Exotic is 60 years old, having been born on March 5, 1963.

3. Who is Dillon Passage?
Dillon Passage is Joe Exotic’s husband and a key figure in his life. He has been a vocal supporter of Joe during his legal troubles.

4. What is Tiger King about?
Tiger King is a Netflix documentary series that explores the world of big cat breeding and the feud between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin.

5. Does Joe Exotic have children?
Joe Exotic does not have biological children but has referred to the animals in his zoo as his “children.”