) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The complaint alleges that Antle discussed his plan to conceal the cash he received by inflating tourist numbers at the Myrtle Beach Safari, and that in the past he had used bulk cash receipts to purchase animals for which he could not use checks. Because the animals are so comfortable around each other, Myrtle Beach Safari has the first ever Liger. field59.ipo = { Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Today, Doc is widely recognized as one of the foremost animal trainers in the world, having worked with thousands of animals and having traveled the globe promoting the research, education, and conservation of some of our planets rarest and most endangered species. Created by Meks. I kind of wish I could take one home. FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) Myrtle Beach Safari owner Bhagavan Doc Antle, facing federal money-laundering and wildlife trafficking charges, was back in court Wednesday A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Drug smuggling and dealing. Made with @triller #triller pic.twitter.com/kYmWO1462M, Made with @triller #triller pic.twitter.com/kFqH6lCd3b. The filings allege that Antle had used bulk cash receipts to purchase animals for which he could not use checks, and that Antle planned to conceal the cash he received by inflating tourist numbers at the Myrtle Beach Safari. "Are You the One?" Improper interactions with teenage girls. The adult wolves had more of a striking difference some with golden eyes, and their snouts were bigger. Sammut is the owner and operator of Vision Quest Ranch, a for-profit corporation that housed captive exotic species and sold tours and safari experiences to guests. Antle essentially discounted all of the tales told aside from some of what his three ex-wives said. There are others in the Allow me to share why Myrtle Beach Safari is a must-see attraction! Then we got to watch them paint t-shirts that are sold for conservation efforts to save the chimpanzees! Hes also accused of illegally trafficking animals including lemurs, cheetahs and a chimpanzee. He is also the founder of the Rare Species Fund (www.RareSpeciesFund.org), a grassroots organization that supports wildlife conservation projects in situ around the globe. However, the docu-series focuses mostly on Antles personal life. viewers are sure to recognize new presenter Kamie Crawford, who recently opened up about her own breakup, following Terrence J's exit. Sammut is the owner So if you dont watch it all the way through they are pretending that my buddy, who lived with me and a guy who hung with me for years, fell off of a cliff a hundred miles from my house.. Antle called The Doc Antle Story poorly done, though he thought the original Tiger King was well-done despite being what hes called entertainment and not a true documentary. The prosecutors on the case are Assistant U.S. They interviewed enough people that they had all of the information they needed 100 percent. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina, Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, and Others Indicted for Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Crimes, Anderson Man Sentenced for Asbestos Violation, Arizona Developer Agrees to Resolve Long-Running Clean Water Act Enforcement Action for Over One Million Dollars, Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, and Others Indicted For Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Crimes. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) The owner of Myrtle Beach Safari has been charged with federal money laundering crimes. Antles Myrtle Beach Safari was searched by the State Law Enforcement Division in December 2019. When Rolling Stone visited in 2015, Antle more openly alluded to his relationships with the various young women under his employment. Antle, a key figure in the popular Netflix series Tiger King, is accused of trafficking lion cubs between Virginia and Myrtle Beach Safari. A spokesperson for the FBI said that it cannot provide information on if the businesses are part of an investigation. However, Antle had only nice things to say about his friend. Charleston:(843) 727-4381 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina, Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, and Employee Charged with Federal Money Laundering Crimes, antle-mahamayavi_et_al_complaint_unsealed.pdf, Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, and Employee Charged With Federal Money Laundering Crimes. The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Its all a joke: Myrtle Beach Safari owner gives take on upcoming Tiger King season, Tiger Kings latest docu-series will zoom in on Myrtle Beach Safaris Doc Antle, Who Is Kamie Crawford? RSF also works closely with state, federal, and international bodies to develop and support sound wildlife policies and to secure sustained funding for long-term research, education, and conservation initiatives. Im so glad I heard about Myrtle Beach Safari and the TIGERS experience. Doc Antles son, Kody Antle, was introduced in Tiger King. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Follow him on Twitter at @nickmasudaphoto. They will remain in jail until they go before a judge on Thursday. Animal cruelty. Georgetown, SC 29440, News tips/online questions: ashain@postandcourier.com, Delivery/subscription questions: subserve@postandcourier.com, var html = new Date().getFullYear(); The filings allege that Antle had used bulk cash receipts to purchase animals for which he could not use checks, and that Antle planned to conceal the cash he received by inflating tourist numbers at the Myrtle Beach Safari. His credits include films like Ace Ventura, Dr. Doolittle, Mighty Joe Young, Disneys Jungle Book and many, many more. A follow up series called "The Doc Antle Story" focused on allegations that Antle participated in animal mistreatment, sexual abuse and violence. Its a sad, sad tale of a thrill-seeking free-hand rock climber, a powerful, good-looking, strong man, but everybody can slip, Antle said. I certainly do not rock climb. An official website of the United States government. His nephew, Christian DallAcqua, was found guilty of 19 misdemeanor counts. 1441 Main Street Suite 500 They wanted a story they thought would sell, he said. We also had the opportunity to hold and feed a couple of the tiger cubs and can I just say ADORABLE!! Sawyer and Bybee are Antles employees and business associates. In October 2020, he was indicted in Virginia on 15 charges of wildlife trafficking and animal cruelty following a months-long investigation into his dealings with private zoo owner Keith Wilson, who Antle sold lions to across state lines. It was to tell a tale and almost everybody in there, pretty much every single person in there, except for, of course my first, second and third wives, every person in there hasnt spent a dozen hours with me, said Antle, who says hes suing Netflix over the original Tiger King series he was featured on. In April 2021, Myrtle Beach resident Shirley Ann Smothers was bitten by a primate that is believed to have escaped from Myrtle Beach Safari. Doc Antle (left) and Omar Sawyer were arrested for money laundering. We have a very long road ahead of us. Next up was my favorite part and that was getting to feed and hug Bubbles, the elephant! Dallis' charges have not yet been publicly announced. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve in Myrtle Beach. Florence:(843) 665-6688. These guys look a lot like dogs, but bigger and more fierce. In this regard, is Myrtle Beach Safari humane? MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - The owner of the Myrtle Beach Safari is now behind bars, according to online records. Doc Antle has had Bubbles since she was a baby, and they have a pretty special bond. Once the big cats are all sent away, the group got to watch Ahren the African Fish Eagle, fly over our heads. Antles biggest moment in Tiger King is during the second of seven episodes, where Joe Exotic says Antle was his mentor. Smothers had to receive eight rabies shots due to the bite. Unlike a zoo where all the animals are behind fences and barriers, the animals are brought right next to you, or even into your lap! Netflixs new three-episode docuseries, Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story, delves into the exotic animal zoo owners lifelong abuses of power, likening him to a cult leader and alleging through numerous testimonies that he has a history of abusing and manipulating people particularly young women. Official websites use .gov Heres everything else to know about Antle. Copyright 2014. After the cats were sent away, the wolf cubs were brought out. Doc Antles Wives In Tiger King, Maria Tabraue suggested that Doc Antle has three wives: Rajnee, Moksha, and China, who Antle described as his girls on the show. In 2020, Antle was charged with nine counts of cruelty to animals, six counts of selling endangered species and two wildlife trafficking charges. We look forward to fighting these charges. Antle also discussed plans to conceal the cash by inflating the number of visitors to Myrtle Beach Safari. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Wilson received animals from Antle and was charged with wildlife trafficking and animal cruelty. The charges are related to lion cubs transported from a Virginia facility, Wilsons Wild Animal Park, to Antles facility in Myrtle Beach, also known as The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.). They run that story pretty good. Antle admitted at the time to having multiple relationships simultaneously, but pointed to being single as justification. A visit to this safari is not something I would be advertising on the internet. The safari works in tandem with Antles Rare Species Fund (RSF), a grassroots organization that claims to work with state and federal authorities to develop conservation initiatives. Sawyer and Bybee are Antles employees and business associates. Please do your research on this place. But everybody does that who meets me. FLORENCE, S.C. (WMBF) One of the stars of Netflixs Tiger King pleaded not guilty to several federal charges. Antle faced plenty of scrutiny after Netflixs true-crime show Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, although he was quick to debunk the accusations, claiming that the series wasnt a documentary. All Rights Reserved. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. They Antle and Sawyer were previously granted a bond by a federal magistrate judge as a result of the charges in the federal complaint, and Bybee, Sammut and Clay are pending arraignment. Read moreMyrtle Beach tourism season expected to remain steady despite economic uncertainty, The popular South Carolina destination Brookgreen Gardens has started construction on a home for a pack of red wolves, one of the most endangered species in the world. Antle has not addressed the show or the allegations, and you wouldnt even know the series existed based on his Instagram. 2 in charge at his Virginia zoo, Mark Mitra Topping, off a cliff, where he fell to his death. } } nmasuda@postandcourier.com, Myrtle Beach Safari owner claims Netflix's 'Tiger King' exaggerated, denies having a harem, New South Carolina law will make private ownership of wild animals illegal, Facing animal cruelty charges, 'Doc' Antle takes aim at animal extremists' and Tiger King, Oklahoma judge orders 'Tiger King' zoo to turn over big cats, Daughter of 'Tiger King' star Doc Antle arrested after Myrtle Beach traffic stop, 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic resentenced to 21 years in prison, 'Tiger King' star Doc Antle facing up to 20 years in prison on money laundering charges, FBI investigation details 'Tiger King' star Doc Antles alleged money laundering, 'Tiger King' star Doc Antle should be freed over health issues his lawyers plan to argue, Richland Two superintendent resigns after 6-hour closed-door board meeting, Charleston's Carnival ship set sail on a cruise to nowhere, Large town center-type project planned for North Charleston near new I-26 interchange. I visited this location years ago (not a recent trip) and Im guessing you just got your information from the new Netflix series. Read moreBrookgreen Gardens soon to be home to pack of endangered red wolves, Post and Courier Myrtle Beach Co-Creator Teases Show Plans, Prince Harry Mocked by Adult Toy Company Over Penis Story: Too Far, Are You The One? Season 9 Cast and Where to Find Them on Instagram, Minnesota indie bands fight for rights to 90s recordings: We get the runaround, Young Britons Turn on King Charles Monarchy After Prince Harrys Book. So thats a real-life Tarzan, one of the guides at Myrtle Beach Safari told Rolling Stone in 2015. The direct-to-end-user approach employed by the RSF places it among the worlds most effective conservation advocates and ensures the greatest value for every dollar spent. MBS is masquerading as a legitimate wildlife preserve and endangered species conservator but real wildlife preserves and endangered species conservators never allow public encounters or photo ops with wild animals; they never buy or sell wild animals; they never breed wild animals unless they are in an AZA-approved SSP program (which MBS is not); and they never cart wild animals to fairs or other venues for entertainment. Also arrested Friday was William James Dallis. According to a press release, Antle, 62, and his employee Andrew Omar Jon Sawyer, 52, laundered $505,000 cash that they believed to be the proceeds of an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the border. "It certainly is entertaining," he said at the time. Sawyer and Bybee are Antles employees and business associates. He wasnt my friend. Read moreParent sues SC school district in wake of principal, teacher abuse arrests, A recent study suggests the Myrtle Beach area is in a good spot heading into the upcoming tourism season despite uncertainties over the national economy. However, as Antle pointed out, the show itself appears to discount the allegation when Paul Lewis, who accompanied Topping to Crabtree Falls, where he died, said that Toppings chance-taking ways were what led to his death. The animals are taken from their moms when they are minutes old and once they get older they are put down, sold to other roadside zoos, or canned hunts. Everyone who told the truth was kicked to the wayside, Antle, owner of Myrtle Beach Safari in Socastee, said of the Netflix docu-series casting. Only those who would take payment for their life stories got to be in the show. A safari can run $339 per person for a three-hour tour of Antles collection of big cats and other animals, while also giving patrons a chance to pet tiger cubs for an additional $100. are living examples of current worldwide environmental issues and are the best possible surrogates to help promote the importance of wildlife conservation and global biodiversity. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower, with the District of South Carolina, and DOJ Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan with DOJs Environment and Natural Resources Divisions Environmental Crimes Section. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve in Myrtle Beach. He said in the past he used bulk cash receipts to purchase animals for which he could not use checks. Bhagavan Mahamayavi Antle, a/k/a Kevin Antle, a/k/a Doc Antle, 62, of Myrtle Beach; Andrew Jon Sawyer a/k/a Omar Sawyer, 52, of Myrtle Beach; Meredith Bybee, a/k/a Moksha Bybee, 51, of Myrtle Beach; Charles Sammut, 61, of Salinas, California; and. Bhagavan Mahamayavi Antle, aka Kevin Antle, aka Doc Antle, 62, of Myrtle Beach; Andrew Jon Sawyer aka Omar Sawyer, 52, of Myrtle Beach; Meredith Bybee, aka Moksha Bybee, 51, of Myrtle Beach; Charles Sammut, 61, of Salinas, California; and. Fish and Wildlife Service. Being a fake doctor. Hubert Clodfelter's remains were found by his daughters in June 2019 in a garbage bag at the Myrtle Beach Travel Park where he and his wife had a beach house. Ligers used to be a myth, but a tiger mama and a lion father unintentionally mated here. Eddie Murphy didnt work for me, but I sure made him look like Dr. Doolittle.. Advertisement. At Myrtle Beach Safari, you have the option to pay for just the tour, or you can add on a photography package. Bhagavan Doc Antle, the owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, appeared in federal court Wednesday in Florence. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Im a wildlife biologist with nearly 20 years of experience there is absolutely no way you can have the constant presence of cubs without abuse taking place. According to the complaint, which was unsealed today in a federal courtroom in Florence, Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S), also known as the Myrtle Beach Safari. Myrtle Beach Safari owner Mahamayavi Bhagavan "Doc" Antle. Clay is the owner and operator of the Franklin Drive Thru Safari, a for-profit corporation that housed captive exotic species and sold tours and safari experiences to guests. As a young man he also had the opportunity to travel and explore the world and spent a significant amount of time in Asia where he received a doctorate degree in medicine. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The Socastee resident expects to be included in the show. According to the indictment and other court records, Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S), also known as the Myrtle Beach Safari. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve in Myrtle Beach. Sawyer and Bybee are Antles employees and business associates. Ive always dreamt of going on an African Safari, and someday I hope to make that dream come true. Clay is the owner and operator of the Franklin Drive Thru Safari, a for-profit corporation that housed captive exotic species and sold tours and safari experiences to guests. He falls off a cliff and dies and they push you for a long time that he was murdered for some reason, Antle said of the docu-series narrative in episode 3, the finale. He pioneered the use of animal ambassador programs to help visitors reconnect with the natural world and to promote special connections with wildlife that could drive a global conservation message and agenda. Earlier this month, Antles wife China York registered two businesses both with Records show that Antle did donate to some conservation efforts overseas, but the amounts listed do not match up with what was reported in the nonprofits annual reports. A federal criminal complaint for 62-year-old Doc Antle, who is also known for being in the Netflix show Tiger King, was unsealed on Monday. Why Youll Recognize the Are You the One? Host, Horry police wrongly arrested man, then put dead deer he hit in his truck, lawsuit says, Customer asks clerk to check old lottery ticket and later discovers big SC prize, Wife of man found in garbage bags under Murrells Inlet house has been pleads guilty, Suspect arrested after armed robbery reported at three Myrtle Beach businesses, This Little River distillery has a hidden speakeasy room. Antle also has a history of recorded violations, stretching as far back as 1989, when he was fined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for abandoning deer and peacocks at his zoo in Virginia. Antle founded The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S. Today, Doc Antle continues to run his zoo. Im not married and I certainly dont have wives. They now have Hercules, the 900 pound liger! The owner of a Northern Virginia zoo has also been indicted. A federal grand jury in Florence, South Carolina returned a 10-count indictment alleging charges related to wildlife trafficking and money laundering against five individuals: According to the indictment and other court records, Antle is the owner and operator of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S. Outdoor Fun and Drive-In Movies at Quarry Park Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals for Multigenerational My Mother-in-law and her Siblings Take On Hofsas House Why You Need to See Hamilton in San Francisco. Sawyer is Antles employee and business associate. After confirming to police that the primate was from his facility, Antle later denied the animal was his, suggesting that people were confused by what they saw. Myrtle Beach Safari has ALWAYS been in 100% compliance and never in violation of federal or state animal welfare laws.. Also, who owns the Safari in Myrtle Beach?SOCASTEE, S.C. (WBTW) Myrtle Beach Safari owner Doc Antle denied all allegations made in a new three-part docuseries that premiered U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower for the District of South Carolina and Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Crimes Section. The Virginia Animal Law Unit took 119 animals including lions, tigers, bears, camels and water buffalo into custody in August 2019 due to cruelty and neglect. There are others in the show who said Topping was owed tens of thousands of dollars and wanted out of the animal business, implying that perhaps that would be Antles motivation to kill him. He also mentions that two of his kids who he had with two of the ex-wives live with him now and love him. RANK. Antles tiger mill has been the source of immense cruelty to hundreds of tigers and must be shut down, Kitty Block, the organizations president and CEO, said in a statement, per The New York Times. Bhagavan Doc Antle, the owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, The animal ambassadors at T.I.G.E.R.S. Please reconsider what you have written about MBS in the light of what you know now. The trainers are always there to help keep the cats moving so everyone gets a turn with each animal, and to make sure everyone is safe. In November 2020, PETA filed a complaint to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. All rights reserved. [Kody] was raised here on the preserve, with tiger cubs and monkey cubs in his crib. Tiger King is by no means a documentary. Environment and Natural Resources Division. FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA Bhagavan Mahamayavi Antle a/k/a Doc Antle, 62, and Andrew Jon Sawyer a/k/a Omar Sawyer, 52, both of Myrtle Beach, have been charged in a federal complaint with money laundering crimes involving more than $500,000. Friday, April 23rd 2021. Keith has a fascination with birds so this was pretty cool for him. 25 results for "owner of myrtle beach safari and cult bigamist" hide this ad. Florence:(843) 665-6688. Strikers protest Dollar General store in Irmo, sign of latest labor advocacy in SC, Legendary football coach Jerry Brown out at Berkeley High School, Hot chicken taking over Columbia restaurant spot; new coffee place gets ready to brew, South Carolina Supreme Court on track to be all male for the first time in 35 years, Several cadets at SC National Guard youth academy hospitalized after 'incident', Details for Donald Trump's first SC 2024 presidential campaign event announced. When you pay for a TIGERS tour, proceeds will help support the Rare Species Fund (RSF), which provides support to international conservation programs around the globe. Netflixs Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story alleges that Antle runs his zoo like a cult leader. Earlier this year Wilson was found guilty of 27 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Everyone who told the truth was kicked to the wayside, Antle, owner of Myrtle Beach Safari in Socastee, said of the Netflix docu-series casting. We got to watch her eat an entire watermelon, drink, and we fed her carrots. Who Is the YouTuber That Pranked Major News Channel With Moaning Noises. Antle has said he knows Joe Exotic through the industry, but balked at accusations that he had mistreated animals, describing it as sensationalism. Official websites use .gov Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Cloudy skies. (Nick Papantonis/WPDE) MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) Doc Antle, founder and director of TIGERS Myrtle Beach Safari, issued the following His Facebook page indicates he is the president of the nonprofit organization Hunting with a Hero. Attorneys Derek A. Shoemake and Amy Bower are prosecuting the case. Doc Antle may have some iffy relationships, but that has nothing to do with the treatment of the animals. You pay a fee and you hug a tiger and feed the monkeys. Two of Antles daughters have also been charged in Virginia, with Tawny Antle and Tilakum Watterson both facing two misdemeanor counts cruelty to animals and violating the Endangered Species Act. If you really take the time to roll it, the murder is so dang silly, Antle said. Im a while away from making the trip, so to get something remotely close within the United States is pretty amazing. This story was originally published December 26, 2021 6:58 AM. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve in Myrtle Beach. Its silly s***.. Mahamayavi Bhagavan Doc Antle is the founder and director of The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S. Greenville:(864) 282-2100