Erik Cowie, zookeeper and ‘Tiger King’ star, dead at 53
Erik Cowie testified against Joe Exotic, saying he abused and killed some of his animals
September 08, 2021
Zookeeper Erik Cowie, who shot to fame after Netflix’s animal documentary series, Tiger King, passed away earlier this month, in New York City.
The body of the reality star, 53, was found by authorities in New York City on September 3, after a friend first found him face down in a bedroom, as reported by TMZ.
It is unclear why the Oklahoma native was at the Big Apple.
The zookeeper, who appeared on the famous Netflix reality show, was one of the animal caretakers of imprisoned Joe Exotic.
When Exotic was taken into custody, Cowie stayed back to look after the animals at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park.
He also later testified against Exotic, saying he abused and killed some of his animals.
Even though Cowie did admit to having drinking problems, no drugs were found at the scene when his body was recovered. However, a toxicology report is expected to be released soon detailing his cause of death.
