Who Is Doc Antle? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on March 25, 1960, Doc Antle is currently 65 years old. With a lifelong passion for animals, particularly big cats, he has made a name for himself as a wildlife trainer, conservationist, and founder of the Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina. Antle's unique approach to animal training and his dynamic personality have earned him both admirers and critics. His life has been marked by some controversy, as he faced legal and ethical scrutiny regarding animal rights and his personal business practices.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 25, 1960 |
| Age | 65 Years |
| Birth Place | Salinas, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Doc Antle's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Doc Antle stands at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm). While specific details about his weight are not publicly available, his overall physique reflects someone who is committed to maintaining good health, essential in a career that involves working closely with large animals.
Former employees of Antle's zoo, Myrtle Beach Safari, have accused him of using the zoo to create a cult-like following around him. Antle has expressed expectations that his employees must see the zoo as more than a workplace, as it is an all encompassing lifestyle.
Antle has required female employees to be single, childless, to abstain from eating meat, and to wear certain clothing and weigh within 20 pounds of their "perfect athletic weight." Writing for PopMatters, John Glover described Antle's operation as one where "staff is comprisedof [sic] women who were groomed as teenagers for polygamy", an environme
nt which Antle himself describes as a "complex lifestyle".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
When it comes to his personal life, Doc Antle has kept many details under wraps. As of 2025, there has been no confirmed public information about his relationships, whether past or present. Speculation and rumors have occasionally circulated about his dating life, but he has not disclosed any information regarding a girlfriend or any romantic partnerships. Antle's focus seems to remain on his work with animals and his business ventures.
Antle grew up on an industrial farm in Salinas, part of a wealthy family connected to Tanimura & Antle, an agricultural company. His father endowed him with a hefty trust fund after his death. Antle dropped out of school before the ninth grade.
As teenagers, Antle and his girlfriend traveled to Virginia to attend a one month yoga retreat at Yogaville, a community founded by Swami Satchidananda Saraswati, an Indian spiritualist. Antle performed magic shows and became a close associate of Satchidananda.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Doc Antle's net worth is estimated to range between $10 million and $20 million. His earnings primarily come from his work at Myrtle Beach Safari, where he offers exotic animal encounters, as well as from various business ventures, including merchandise sales, tours, and potentially his involvement in television projects. Despite facing legal challenges that could impact his finances, Antle has managed to maintain a significant net worth.
Antle is the founder and director of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the Myrtle Beach Safari, a tour that runs through the facility.
He is a self-described conservationist and is the executive director of the Rare Species Fund, a nonprofit organization that purports to fund wildlife conservation. Journalists have raised questions about how revenue generated by Antle's cub petting tours is distributed between his business and his nonprofit organization.
Career, Business, and Investments
Doc Antle's career spans several decades and is deeply intertwined with wildlife conservation and education. He established the Myrtle Beach Safari, where visitors can interact with exotic animals, including tigers and elephants. In addition to his wildlife endeavors, Antle has been involved in various investments that complement his passion for animals. This includes working as a consultant for wildlife-themed media productions and engaging in philanthropic efforts aimed at wildlife preservation.
Antle has faced accusations of animal cruelty throughout his career. In 2020, Antle was charged with felony wildlife trafficking after an investigation by the Attorney General of Virginia. After his conviction in 2023, he was fined $10,000 and banned from owning wildlife in Virginia for five years.
In 2022, Antle was arrested and charged by the FBI for wildlife trafficking and money laundering. He pleaded guilty to the federal charges in November 2023 and faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Social Network
Doc Antle is active on social media platforms, using them to showcase his work and connect with fans. His Instagram and Facebook accounts provide glimpses into his life at the safari, featuring his animal companions and promoting educational content about wildlife conservation. While he has gained a significant following, he has also attracted criticism, which he often addresses through his platforms.
Antle began raising dogs in his youth, and started operating a private zoo in 1983. Antle has worked as an animal trainer for films including Ace Ventura and Dr. Dolittle in addition to appearing as a guest on several television shows. In 2020, he was featured in the first season of Netflix true crime documentary series Tiger King.
Antle was the subject of a follow-up documentary Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story released in December 2021.
Education
Doc Antle pursued a varied educational path, showing an early interest in animal behavior and biology. Though specific details about his formal education remain vague, his extensive hands-on experience in wildlife management and training positions him as an expert in his field.
