Carole Baskin is on the headlines once again with the development of the case she has been fighting against Joe Exotic. It’s a win for her.
According to USA Today, Carole Baskin received a win on Monday after an Oklahoma federal judge handed over to her ownership of Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park.
The deeper details
Baskin, who is an animal-right activist and founder of Big Cat Rescue Corporation, was granted control by U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk.
He ruled that Baskin’s organization will take over the 16.4-acre property in Wynnewood, which was once known as G.W. Exotic.
“The G.W.D.G. shall vacate the premises of the zoo land within 120 days of the date of service of this order,” Judge Palk ruled. “Vacation of premises shall also require removal of all zoo animals from the zoo land.”
The Humane Society of the United States also urged that the animals be taken to “proper sanctuaries” so that they will never have to go through suffering again.
Moreover, Judge Palk also awarded Baskin a $1 million civil judgment against her archenemy for trademark and copyright infringement. The 58-year old activist sued G.W. Exotic in 2014 for using her organization’s name and logo to promote his park.
The recent news on the decision turned out to be the culmination of the seven-year legal battle between Baskin and the former roadside zoo owner Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage.
The documentary
For years, Baskin fought against the roadside zoo for its cruel and exploitative actions towards the big cats that were kept inside.
And for the first time, the public got a deeper look into it through the Netflix documentary Tiger King.
Millions of viewers are now aware of the Baskin vs. Joe Exotic conflict thanks to the series that also showed the complicated relationship between Maldonado-Passage and his business partner at that time, Jeff Lowe.
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It allowed the public to follow Baskin’s journey towards justice for the animals that were abused and maltreated by the two men who, at one point, tangled over control of the zoo and its animals.
In January, Maldonado-Passage was sentenced to 22 years in prison after he was convicted on two counts of murder-for-hire as well as numerous charges related to the animals he kept.
The 57-year old felon maintained his innocence, though, and has appealed to a higher court.
Carole Baskin and her lawyers have not responded to messages seeking comments on the development of the case.
Featured image courtesy of Netflix/YouTube screenshot