HUGO, Okla. ( KXII /Gray News) – A tiger handler died after one of the animals under his care attacked him Saturday at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo, Oklahoma.

According to Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park, handler Ryan Easley was doing an act with the tiger when something went wrong and he was attacked.

Easley was not breathing when deputies arrived.

“He dedicated his life to the protection and care of these magnificent animals, and he believed deeply in the mission of Growler Pines- to provide a safe and forever enriching home for the animals under his care,” the preserve said in a post on Facebook .

According to a release from PETA, Easley had acquired several tigers for his business, ShowMe Tigers, from Joe Exotic and others associated with him.

PETA said many of Easle

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