Who Is Carole Baskin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Carole Baskin, born on June 6, 1961, is a prominent American conservationist and animal rights activist. She gained significant fame through the Netflix documentary series "Tiger King," which offered a glimpse into her life running the Big Cat Rescue sanctuary in Florida. As of 2025, Carole is 63 years old, with a legacy built on her dedication to the protection of big cats and wildlife conservation.
| Occupation | Conservationist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1961 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Bexar County, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Carole Baskin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Carole Baskin stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). She maintains a healthy lifestyle, with her weight reported at around 150 pounds (68 kg). Her body measurements are approximately 36-28-38 inches, showcasing her commitment to fitness and well-being.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Carole Baskin has been a subject of speculation regarding her personal life. She was previously married to Don Lewis, whose mysterious disappearance in 1997 has been an ongoing topic of discussion. In addition to her marital history, Carole has been in a relationship with her current husband, Howard Baskin, since 2004. As of 2025, there have been no reports of any major changes in her relationship status. The pair actively work together on various conservation efforts and continue to share their passion for big cats.
Baskin drew public attention when she was featured in the 2020 Netflix true crime documentary series Tiger King, which follows Baskin's escalating feud with Oklahoma-based private zoo owner Joe Exotic. Following the release of the series, many suspected Baskin was involved in the disappearance of Don Lewis, her second husband.
Baskin denied these claims in a post on Big Cat Rescue's website. Her catchphrase, "Hey all you cool cats and kittens!", also became a meme as a result of Tiger King.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Carole Baskin's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Her income is primarily generated through her work with Big Cat Rescue, merchandise sales, and public appearances. Additionally, her involvement in various documentaries and media engagements has significantly contributed to her annual earnings, which are projected to be between $200,000 and $500,000 per year.
Baskin had a long-running feud with Joe Exotic, the former owner of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. The feud began in 2009 when Big Cat Rescue volunteers initiated an email protest campaign against shopping malls that hosted Exotic's traveling cub-petting shows, prompting many malls to cancel the events.
Faced with a loss of income, Exotic responded with a pattern of harassment against Baskin, culminating in rebranding his shows with unlicensed facsimiles of the Big Cat Rescue name and logo and a false Florida phone number; in response, Baskin pursued legal action, alleging that Exotic's trademark infringement damaged the reputation of her organiza
tion.
In 2013, a court ordered him to pay Baskin $1 million in damages, leading to his bankruptcy. In 2020, he was convicted of attempting to hire two men to kill her, and was sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Baskin was grateful about his imprisonment, but stated in a video on the Big Cat Rescue website that other big cat owners had been prosecuted as well.
Career, Business and Investments
Carole Baskin's career in wildlife conservation gained momentum after she founded Big Cat Rescue in 1992. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for abused and abandoned big cats, promoting education and awareness regarding the illegal pet trade and the importance of preserving these majestic animals. Beyond her sanctuary, Baskin has expanded her business ventures with an online store selling eco-friendly products and has made investments in wildlife conservation initiatives globally.
Carole Ann Baskin (née Stairs; formerly Murdock and Lewis; born June 6, 1961) is the CEO of Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit animal sanctuary. She has attracted the attention of local, national and international media outlets to the plight of captive big cats.
Social Network
Carole is an active social media presence, utilizing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to connect with her fans and followers. She shares insights into her daily life, conservation efforts, and updates on Big Cat Rescue. Her social media handles boast hundreds of thousands of followers, making her a significant influencer in the realm of animal rights advocacy.
Baskin remains the current chief executive officer of the sanctuary, which she renamed to Big Cat Rescue sometime after Lewis's disappearance in 1997. She has used social media such as Facebook and YouTube and her "The Cat Chat" podcast to promote activism against private zoos.
Education
Carole Baskin's educational background includes studying at the University of South Florida, where she developed a keen interest in wildlife conservation and sociology. Although she may not hold an advanced degree, her experiences and dedication to animal welfare have positioned her as a knowledgeable advocate in her field.
In conclusion, Carole Baskin continues to be a prominent figure in conservation, demonstrating resilience and commitment to her cause. As she navigates her life in 2025, her efforts inspire many to advocate for wildlife protection and conservation. For more detailed insights into her life and work, you can visit her Wikipedia page.
