By Undeadinc 
Carole Baskin is a name that has captured global attention, largely due to her involvement in the hit Netflix docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. As a fierce animal rights activist and CEO of the nonprofit Big Cat Rescue, Baskin has been a central figure in the world of animal welfare, exotic cats, and viral internet memes. Her story is one of controversy, intrigue, and speculation, with rumors swirling around her personal life and professional endeavors. This article aims to explore the full story of Carole Baskin, focusing on her background, her rise to fame, the mystery surrounding her husband’s disappearance, and the myths and facts that have been heavily discussed in the media.
Carole Baskin Early Life
Carole Baskin was born Carole Ann Stairs on June 6, 1961, in Bexar County, Texas, on a U.S. Air Force base. From a young age, she showed an affinity for animals, especially cats. She grew up in a family that frequently moved due to her father’s military career, and her upbringing was somewhat unconventional. Baskin left high school at the age of 15, after which she lived independently and supported herself in various jobs. Her love for animals was evident even then, but it wasn’t until later in life that she became an outspoken advocate for animal rights.
As a teenager, Carole’s life was marked by personal struggles. In 1979, at the age of 18, she married her first husband, Michael Murdock. The marriage was short-lived, and the two divorced after having one daughter together, Jamie Murdock. While Carole was still navigating her personal life, she was beginning to develop a deep connection to animal conservation, which would later become her life’s work.
The Rise of Big Cat Rescue
In the early 1990s, Carole Baskin married Don Lewis, a wealthy real estate investor with a passion for exotic animals. Together, they founded an animal sanctuary, which would later become Big Cat Rescue. Their mission was to provide lifelong care for exotic cats that had been kept as pets or in unsuitable living conditions. The organization, which began as a small venture, grew into one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the world. Baskin’s work with big cats, including tigers, lions, and leopards, helped to establish her as a prominent figure in the animal welfare community.
Big Cat Rescue became widely known for its strict policy against the private ownership of big cats. Carole Baskin advocated for the end of cub-petting, a practice where young exotic cats are bred and sold for public interaction. She argued that this practice was abusive and exploitative. Her sanctuary took in big cats from across the country, and she became a leading voice in the fight to change laws surrounding the ownership and treatment of these animals.
The Disappearance of Don Lewis
One of the most publicized aspects of Carole Baskin’s life is the mysterious disappearance of her second husband, Don Lewis, in 1997. Lewis, a wealthy businessman, was last seen on the morning of August 18, 1997, leaving his home in Tampa, Florida. Despite extensive investigations, Lewis was never found, and his case remains unsolved to this day. In 2002, he was declared legally dead, but his disappearance remains shrouded in mystery.
Theories surrounding his disappearance have sparked widespread speculation, with some claiming that Carole Baskin had a role in his vanishing. The most notorious theory suggests that Baskin killed her husband and fed him to the tigers at Big Cat Rescue. This theory was heavily promoted by Joe Exotic, the eccentric owner of a rival exotic animal park, who has since become infamous for his own legal troubles. Joe Exotic made several allegations against Baskin, even suggesting that she was responsible for her husband’s death. These claims were widely circulated in the media and became central to the drama in Tiger King.
However, there is no credible evidence to support these accusations, and Baskin has vehemently denied any involvement in her husband’s disappearance. Law enforcement has investigated the case over the years, but no conclusive evidence has been found to suggest foul play on her part. Despite this, the rumors about Baskin’s role in her husband’s disappearance have continued to persist, largely fueled by the sensationalism surrounding Tiger King.
Carole Baskin’s Rise to Fame and the Tiger King Controversy
Carole Baskin’s name gained global recognition in 2020 with the release of Netflix’s Tiger King, a true-crime docuseries that chronicled the life of Joe Exotic and his bitter feud with Baskin. The show highlighted the rivalry between Baskin’s Big Cat Rescue and Exotic’s privately owned zoo, as well as the controversial practices at Exotic’s park. The docuseries became a cultural phenomenon, with Baskin emerging as a central figure in the narrative.
Throughout the series, Joe Exotic and others made unfounded claims about Baskin’s involvement in her husband’s disappearance, which became a focal point for the show’s audience. As the docuseries captivated millions of viewers, memes, songs, and internet jokes about Carole Baskin flooded social media. One of the most viral moments was the catchy “Carole Baskin, killed her husband, whacked him” song, which became a pop-culture sensation. The song, written and performed by Joe Exotic, perpetuated the rumors surrounding her and contributed to her image as a villain in the public eye.
Despite the accusations, Baskin’s supporters rallied behind her, defending her work in animal rights and questioning the legitimacy of the allegations. In response to the controversy, Baskin continued to assert her innocence and condemned the spread of false information. Her popularity skyrocketed, and she quickly became a household name, even making appearances on Dancing with the Stars in 2020.
The Myths and the Facts
While Carole Baskin’s life has been steeped in controversy and speculation, it’s essential to separate the facts from the myths. The most persistent myth surrounding Baskin is the idea that she killed her husband and fed him to the tigers. There is no evidence to substantiate this claim, and Baskin has publicly denied it. The rumors about her involvement in Don Lewis’s disappearance have been heavily influenced by Tiger King and social media, but they remain unproven and speculative.
Baskin has also been a target of online hate, with many people expressing disdain for her animal rights activism. Some view her as a hypocrite for running a sanctuary that profits from the very animals she opposes being kept in captivity. However, others argue that her efforts have raised awareness about the mistreatment of big cats in captivity and that her sanctuary provides a much-needed safe haven for rescued animals.
In recent years, Baskin has continued to focus on her mission at Big Cat Rescue and remains an advocate for the protection of wild animals. Despite the backlash and the ongoing conspiracy theories about her personal life, Baskin has remained steadfast in her beliefs and continues to be a vocal critic of private ownership of exotic cats.
Carole Baskin’s Current Life
As of 2024, Carole Baskin continues to run Big Cat Rescue with her husband, Howard Baskin. The sanctuary is still in operation, although it has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the controversies surrounding the Tiger King docuseries. Baskin has also remained active on social media, using her platform to educate the public about animal welfare and the dangers of private ownership of big cats.
While the rumors about her husband’s disappearance still linger, Carole Baskin’s legacy in the world of animal rights activism remains intact. Her work has led to significant changes in laws regarding the treatment of exotic animals, and her sanctuary has become a symbol of hope for rescued big cats.
Conclusion
Carole Baskin’s story is one of triumph, controversy, and resilience. From her humble beginnings to her rise as an international figure, Baskin has faced numerous challenges in both her personal and professional life. Despite the unfounded rumors and allegations about her involvement in her husband’s disappearance, Baskin has continued to focus on her mission of protecting big cats and advocating for animal welfare.
While the myths surrounding her life, particularly the accusations about her husband’s disappearance, have gained significant attention, the facts remain clear. Carole Baskin is a passionate animal rights activist who has dedicated her life to rescuing and protecting big cats from exploitation. Whether you love her or hate her, Carole Baskin’s impact on the world of animal rights is undeniable, and her story continues to captivate the public’s imagination.