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Uncle Sam goes out Jeff Lowe … his license stops to show wild animals at Joe Exotic‘s old zoo … at least for now.
A rep for the U.S. Department of Agriculture tells TMZ … the ‘Tiger King’ exhibitor license for the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park – formerly known as the GW Zoo under Joe’s command – was suspended for 21 days this week.
We are told that the suspension is the result of “recent inspections” at the zoo that were less than favorable. As we reported, researchers said several of Jeff’s animals appear to be weak and ignored. There was also a 16 week old lion cub that was so thin, she could barely stand … and was taken straight to a veteran.
Jeff called BS on inspection, but clearly USDA officials felt strongly enough about their findings to withdraw his license. An exhibitor’s permit allows a zoo to display essentially everything from big cats, bears, primates and other USDA-regulated species. Without it, Lowe can not really run the zoo.
As for his suspension, Jeff says he and his team are confident they will be able to produce evidence to prove his animals are healthy. He also tells us that he once had a backup and put together a virtual zoo, where visitors can get access from home to check on the animals.
As you might expect, PETA is already dancing on Jeff’s metaphorical grave. The org thinks the suspension should be followed by a permanent revocation of its license … though, the feds are not saying that is on the table.
