Meet Australia’s Own Tiger Kings: Inside the Deadly World of Big Cat Keepers Down Under

Meet the local Tiger (and Lion) Kings! Netflix 's Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem And Madness has gone viral in Australia,. And although the documentary series focuses on big cat sanctuaries in America, there are several zoo keepers risking their lives to look after similar deadly mammals much closer to home

Australia, renowned for its unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, hides a lesser-known but equally fascinating world—the realm of big cat keepers. Often overshadowed by their counterparts in other countries, these individuals have carved out their own niche within the exotic animal community, earning them the moniker “Australia’s Own Tiger Kings.”

Meanwhile, over at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, several Bengal and Sumatran tigers are on show

Venturing into the heart of this deadly world reveals a complex tapestry of passion, controversy, and danger. These keepers, often operating within the confines of private facilities, maintain collections of lions, tigers, and other majestic felines, captivating the public while simultaneously raising ethical questions.

Incidents: Australia Zoo keeper Che Woolcott (pictured) suffered puncture wounds to his arms after being mauled by a Sumatran tiger named Raun in January 2016

While some see them as conservationists, others raise concerns about animal welfare and public safety. The allure of interacting with these magnificent creatures draws crowds, but lurking beneath the surface are tales of maulings, escapes, and even fatalities. The line between fascination and peril is razor-thin.

Despite the risks, the allure of being a big cat keeper is undeniable. For many, it’s a calling—a chance to connect with nature’s most fearsome predators and educate the public about their conservation needs. Yet, the shadow of tragedy looms large, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of these creatures and the responsibility that comes with their care.

Dangerous: While the park is incredibly popular with tourists, the the Irwin-family, who run establishment, have previously hit the headlines for all of the wrong reasons following several tiger attacks on zoo keepers. In 2013, a 114kg Bengal tiger, named Charlie, became 'overexcited' and bit his handler Dave Styles on the neck and shoulder during a tiger show

Regulation within this industry is a contentious issue, with debates raging over licensing, inspection protocols, and the role of government oversight. Striking a balance between preserving personal freedoms and ensuring public safety remains an ongoing challenge.

Local star: Mr Murphy is famed for his live feedings of the lions at Mansfield Zoo

Love and care: Australia's answer to Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, minus his 22-year jail sentence for a murder-for-hire plot and other crimes, can be found at Mansfield Zoo in Victoria.  Dave Murphy (pictured) runs the private Mansfield Zoo in Victoria with wife Bronwen Wilson, and treats their African lions as much-loved members of the family

As the world grapples with the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity, Australia’s big cat keepers find themselves at the center of the debate. Their stories, both captivating and cautionary, offer a glimpse into a world where the line between fascination and danger is blurred, and where the pursuit of passion comes with its own set of risks. In the land down under, the Tiger Kings reign, their domain fraught with peril and intrigue, yet undeniably compelling to all who dare to explore it.