MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – The owner of Myrtle Beach Safari is now behind bars, according to online records.
Bhagavan “Doc” Antle was booked Friday at J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
An FBI source confirmed to WMBF News that the agency had arrested Antle, but did not provide further information.
The arrest comes when PETA recently called for an investigation into Myrtle Beach Safari and the non-profit Rare Species Fund, of which Antle is chairman. The organization claimed that Antle used charitable donations to fund the zoo while claiming to support wildlife conservation.
Shortly after Antle’s arrest, Debbie Metzler, PETA’s Associate Director of Animal Law Enforcement in Captivity, issued an additional statement saying:
“It is fitting that ‘Doc’ Antle is behind bars after years of shutting down endangered animals he uses in photo shoots. His legal issues are escalating as PETA recently whistled its apparent scam.” of charity, “and the end of his reign of terrorizing tiger cubs may not come soon enough.”
WMBF News contacted Myrtle Beach Safari on Friday for comment. We have not received a response.
We also contacted the Rare Species Fund, the South Carolina Secretary of State and the IRS for comment shortly after PETA requested an investigation. We have not yet received responses from these entities either.
No charges have been filed for Antle since 9:30 p.m. Friday.
Antle is also known for his appearances on the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King.”
Stay tuned to WMBF News for updates.
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