10-18-2025 5:52pm

Growler Pines Tiger Preserve Closes Following Death of Founder and Handler Ryan Easley

Dustin Terry Editor

Growler Pines Tiger Preserve Closes Following Death of Founder and Handler Ryan Easley

HUGO, OKLAHOMA – Growler Pines Tiger Preserve has officially closed its doors, just weeks after the tragic death of handler and founder Ryan Easley, who was killed in a tiger attack in early September.

The privately run big cat facility, located just north of Lamar County near Hugo, Oklahoma, made the announcement Monday in a public statement reflecting on Easley’s legacy and the future of the animals in his care.

“With gratitude and reflection, we announce the closing of Growler Pines. Since its founding, Growler Pines has been more than a facility—it has been a place of learning, inspiration, and compassion, built upon the vision and dedication of Ryan Easley,” the statement reads.

Founded by Easley and opened to the public in 2021, Growler Pines was known for its small, reservation-only educational tours. Despite public interest, it was not a commercial theme park or corporate wildlife center—rather, it operated as a family-run preserve focused on conservation and animal enrichment.

Animals Safely Relocated

Following Easley’s death, there had been public concern regarding the future of the tigers and other animals at the facility. Growler Pines confirmed in its statement that all animals have now been "lovingly rehomed" to accredited sanctuaries and facilities aligned with Easley’s mission.

“These placements ensure that each animal continues to thrive in an environment where their welfare is paramount, and where they can continue to inspire future generations about the importance of protecting wildlife, just as Ryan intended,” the preserve stated.

Honoring a Legacy

In its closing announcement, Growler Pines emphasized Easley’s passion for wildlife, hands-on craftsmanship, and commitment to ethical animal care. The family said the decision to close did not come lightly but was made in alignment with Easley’s values.

“Ryan poured his soul into this, our forever home,” the statement continues. “Every nail and post driven, every enclosure and display built, all reflected his hands-on commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way.”

Full Statement

Growler Pines Tiger Preserve released a full statement reflecting on Easley’s life, the closure of the facility, and gratitude to supporters. The full announcement can be read below:

With gratitude and reflection, we announce the closing of Growler Pines. Since its founding, Growler Pines has been more than a facility—it has been a place of learning, inspiration, and compassion, built upon the vision and dedication of Ryan Easley. Many visitors were surprised to learn that Growler Pines was not a large corporation or a funded foundation, but rather a family-run Preserve, sustained entirely by hard work, passion, and the shared belief that conservation begins with care. Ryan believed deeply in the bond between people and animals and worked tirelessly to remind us that every encounter with wildlife is an opportunity to spark care, curiosity, and commitment to conservation.

Ryan poured his soul into this, our forever home. He believed in giving animals not just a home, but a purpose—to educate, inspire, and remind people of our shared responsibility to protect the natural world. Every nail and post driven, every enclosure and display built, all reflected his hands-on commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way.

As we make this difficult decision to close, we do so with Ryan’s values and legacy guiding our every decision. The animals of Growler Pines have been lovingly rehomed to facilities that share the same uncompromising commitment to care, enrichment, and conservation that Ryan championed. These placements ensure that each animal continues to thrive in an environment where their welfare is paramount, and where they can continue to inspire future generations about the importance of protecting wildlife, just as Ryan intended.

We know that Growler Pines touched many lives through visits, educational programs, and the simple joy of seeing Ryan’s passion reflected in the animals he cared for. While our facility is closing, the spirit of Growler Pines lives on through its animals, its mission, and the countless memories it created.

To everyone who supported us—whether you visited, volunteered, donated, or shared Ryan’s story—thank you. Your kindness made this journey possible. Growler Pines may have been built from the ground up by one man’s dream and a family’s determination, but it was sustained by a community that believed in compassion and conservation.

Our gates may close but Ryan’s legacy remains forever sealed in the lives he touched—human and animals alike. His spirit will continue to echo in every roar, every pawprint, and every moment someone chooses to care more deeply for the world around them.