According to the series, the dynamics at Bhagavan "Doc" Antle's wildlife preserve, The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S), are unique, to say the least. He supposedly has multiple wives and grooms women to be animal trainers. One woman who recounted her experience even admitted to feeling like she was in a cult, saying she felt pressured to change her looks and adhere to some odd rules.
Joe Exotic certainly seems to have a disturbing hold on his employees, as well. Throughout the series, he keeps digging his business deeper into a rut without much regard for how it affects his workers. Yet, he convinces them that they're all a "family" and will sink or swim together. Many staff members end up sticking with him until it's near impossible to stay by his side.
"I watched this show in one sitting and honestly can't stop thinking about it. It really got me interested in big cats! I think what shocked me the most was what a hold Joe had over his employees. It really was almost like a cult! Additionally, I was personally reeling from Carole's wedding photo . . . I just cannot with her husband on a leash." — Murphy Moroney, associate family editor
