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At Naturetrek we have been crafting expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents since 1986. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. Whether your ambition is to watch Tigers, Jaguars, bears or whales, or you are looking for an African safari, a birding or botany tour, or a focus on mammals, butterflies or wildlife photography, our expert team of well-travelled naturalists will be delighted to help and advise you.

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We warmly invite you, your friends and family, to get comfortable with a glass of wine and sit back as our experts guide you through some of the best wildlife experiences on the planet!

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Eight tigers, 13 sloth bears, 2 packs of wild dogs, 4 sorts of deer, and fabulous birds. What more could we ask! But I have to say what really made it was meeting Ni...

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We were very privileged on the extension to see the two tigers hunting a Sambar stag (an event that made the TV, front page of both the state newspaper and The Times...

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Naturetrek operates the largest selection of professionally organised, expert-led wildlife holidays and tours in the world. We’ve been organising specialist wildlife tours for over 25 years.

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We enjoy taking you to see the world’s special wildlife and places. Staffed by wildlife enthusiasts and dedicated travel professionals, we are passionate about organising outstanding, competitively priced, responsible wildlife experiences around the world.

Our programme of holidays includes bird watching and botanical tours, bear, whale and tiger watching holidays plus a variety of wildlife-orientated treks, conservation tours and expedition cruises to some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.

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Based in rural Hampshire in south-central England, we occupy a characterful converted barn in the village of Chawton, near the market town of Alton.

All of Naturetrek’s staff offer a friendly, flexible and expert service. Most have been with the company a long time and know the trade inside out. All our staff have a very keen interest in natural history, conservation and travel, and we pride ourselves on the extremely personal and knowledgeable service we offer you. You can find details about individual members of staff below - simply click on the person's name to reveal their details.

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Naturetrek's head office occupies a beautiful barn conversion set amongst a pleasant 12-acre grassland site in the village of Chawton, just a few minutes’ drive from the market town of Alton.

As well as discussing your travel plans with us, there’s a lot to do in the nearby towns and villages and their surrounds. Chawton Cottage, where Jane Austen lived for the last eight years of her short life, is a popular tourist attraction that is open to the public year-round. The magnificent Elizabethan manor, Chawton House, the former home of Jane Austen's brother, is now a museum of women's literature and is also open to the public, together with its gardens. Both are just a short walk from Mingledown Barn.

A few miles away lies the village of Selborne, made famous through the writings of its curate in the late 18th century, the Reverend Gilbert White, the founding father of natural history studies in Britain with his Natural History of Selborne. He created the famous 'zig-zag' walk up the Hanger, a striking escarpment supporting a woodland of towering Beech trees that can be seen from Mingledown Barn. Nearby, too, is Noar Hill Nature Reserve, a complex of ancient chalk pits supporting a rich variety of orchids and other downland flowers, plus a wealth of butterflies, from its Duke of Burgundies in May to its Brown Hairstreaks in late summer.

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2022 is the Year of the Tiger: Here are 15 places to see them ethically in the wild

With the Tiger King, Joe Exotic, currently serving a 22-year sentence for murder for hire and animal abuse, and fewer than 3,900 tigers left in the wild worldwide, tiger tourism is at a crossroads. Those who dream of seeing these gracious and elegant cats in their natural habitat are more motivated than ever, while the world's consciousness has been raised about what constitutes humane treatment of one of the most revered species on Earth.

There's no time like the present to see them -- especially since the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese lunar calendar begins on Feb. 1, 2022.

Of all the big cat species, tigers have perhaps been the most drastically affected by a host of issues, from hunting and poaching to climate change and loss of habitat, with the result being that three of the original nine tiger subspecies are already extinct.

Of the six subspecies remaining, two -- the Sumatran and South China -- are now listed as critically endangered. In fact, no South China tiger has been seen in the wild in more than two decades and fewer than 100 remain in zoos.

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While it's tempting to want to visit tigers in private wildlife preserves like the now-closed facility featured in the "Tiger King" documentary, it's important to understand that by doing so you're supporting a poorly regulated industry where animals are frequently subject to abuse.

When considering a visit to any zoo, check that it has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , which requires that zoos meet strict qualifications for best practices regarding quality of habitat, cleanliness and veterinary care, and also participate in worldwide conservation initiatives.

"Outside of safaris in national parks located in South Asia and Russia, there is simply no truly ethical way to see a tiger. While tigers in major metropolitan zoos are well cared for, and often arrive as rescue animals, the same can't be said of most so-called rescue habitats or exotic animal parks, much less tiger encounter experiences in Asia," says Jeff Greenwald, executive director of Ethical Traveler, a nonprofit organization which seeks to use the economic benefits of tourism to protect human rights and the environment.

Noting examples such as the Thai Buddhist petting temple, which lost more than half of its 147 tigers to a virus, Greenwald says it's important to support only the zoos and other highly respected and rated institutions recognized for providing high-quality care. "If you are compelled to see a live tiger and can't afford a big trip to India, Nepal or Russia, see one in a legitimate zoo – like the Bronx or San Diego Zoo," says Greenwald. "Otherwise, ask yourself: Am I willing to have a tiger captured, drugged or caged so that I can take a picture of it?"

There are bright spots, though, in the midst of this darker reality, with the numbers of Bengal and Siberian tigers both increasing over the past decade. Along with those rising numbers have come numerous positive developments in tiger tourism, including better regulation and infrastructure improvements in several of the world's best tiger habitats. The result: Visitors have a better chance of seeing — and photographing — a tiger, without causing harm in the process.

Here, then, are 15 of the best — and most ethical — places to see tigers in the wild.

1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

Known as India's "Tiger State," Madhya Pradesh is home to more than 70% of the world's wild tigers, making the state a magnet for those intent on a tiger sighting. More than 2,226 Bengal tigers inhabit this region, considerably upping your chances of seeing a tiger, especially if you hit more than one park.

Of Madhya Pradesh's 50 tiger reserves, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the best for tiger safaris.

2. Satpura National Park and Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Connected to other Indian wildlife parks by wildlife corridors, Satpura National Park is part of the largest tiger habitat in the world. Unlike most tiger reserves, Satpura offers numerous safari options beyond jeep tours, including touring the park by boat and on foot. In addition, deer, gaur and other wildlife graze the park's broad meadows and crocodiles sun themselves on the banks of slow-moving rivers.

3. Kanha and Pench national parks, Madhya Pradesh, India

If the dense and vine-draped forests of Kanha National Park and Pench National Park look straight out of "The Jungle Book ," they actually are — author Rudyard Kipling is said to have set his 1894 book in the area, including mention of the nearby city of Seoni. Interestingly, Kipling himself never actually visited the area, though he grew up in Mumbai (then known as Bombay) and spent some years working as a journalist in other parts of India, so he knew the country well. In addition to the jungle habitats, Kanha features expansive meadows where it's easier to see tigers when they step into the open. For the deepest experience of tigers in Kanha and other central Indian parks, see them through the eyes of a local tour guide experienced in wildlife management, such as a trip organized by Wilderness Travel .

4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India

A trip to Kaziranga National Park in India isn't just about the tigers, since these lush meadows are just as well known for their population of one-horned rhinoceros, which make up close to two-thirds of the world's population. Still, there are 111 Bengal tigers here in a fairly dense area, making it a favorite for tiger-spotting. Elephants and leopards up the fun factor as well.

5. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka, India

Spanning the lush valleys of the Kabini and Moyar rivers, Bandipur National Park shelters some 109 tigers at last count. Boasting one of the highest densities of tigers per acre, Bandipur also offers wildlife photographers a wealth of other options, from Indian elephants and sloth bears to more than 200 species of birds.

6. Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, India

Situated in the Satpura mountains near the hill town of Chikhaldara, 890-square-mile Melghat Tiger Reserve is one of India's largest tiger parks. More than 60 tigers roam the banks of the Tapti River and its tributaries. Visitors often combine a safari in Melghat with a visit to Chikhaldara and the 13th-century Mughal fortress of Gawilgarh.

7. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India

Once the royal hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park lures visitors with its romantic history along with its wildlife. While the park was relatively small when first established in 1955, it's been expanded over the years to 1,334 square miles, making it India's largest tiger park. Ranthambore is one of India's more popular tiger parks both due to its location in attraction-rich Rajasthan and for its high chances of tiger-spotting. Don't miss the ruins of Ranthambore Fort, built between the 10th and 16th centuries, high on a rocky butte and affording astonishing views.

8. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India

Called Hailey National Park when it was established in 1936 and renamed for a noted big game hunter and tiger conservationist, Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest national park. It was here in 1973 that Corbett founded Project Tiger, now the National Tiger Conservation Authority, which played a powerful role in allowing so many of India's tigers to survive today. More than 230 tigers live in this national park which, unlike most others, has facilities for overnight stays, increasing your chances of a tiger sighting.

9. Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Bhutan

When the Bhutanese government launched its first tiger count in 2015, the country's tiger population stood at 103, a number the government has proposed to double over the next decade. While Bengal tigers roam across much of the densely forested mountainous country, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is one of the best places to see them, along with red pandas, golden langurs and rare clouded leopards.

10. Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan

Home to fewer than 30 critically endangered Bengal tigers, Royal Manas National Park was recognized by the World Wildlife Fund in 2020 for more than doubling its tiger population from just 12 tigers in 2008. Connected at its southern edge with India's Manas Tiger Reserve and at its northern edge with Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Royal Manas greatly expands the territory over which the tigers can wander.

11. Sunderban National Park, Bangladesh

More than 200 Bengal tigers live in this swampy wetlands preserve in southwestern Bangladesh on the border with India. Canoe safaris are the transport of choice in Sunderban National Park, since its jungle-shrouded rivers are easier to navigate by boat than by vehicle, and the tigers are particularly entertaining to watch thanks to their penchant for swimming.

12. Bardia National Park, Nepal

Nepal can boast one of the best tiger success stories, with the population almost doubling over the past decade. At least 235 tigers live in the country's five national parks, with Bardia National Park having the most with a population of approximately 80. In Bardia, you have a choice between a walking safari and a jeep safari. Opt for a full-day rather than half-day trip to increase your chances of seeing one of the park's resident tigers — but you'll feel just as lucky if you see one of the park's wild elephants or one-horned rhinos.

13. Chitwan National Park, Nepal

More accessible than Bardia thanks to its location near Nepal's southern border with India, Chitwan National Park has seen its conservation efforts pay off with the tiger population increasing to 235. The park's one-horned rhinoceros population is another success story, up to almost 700 from a low of 100 in the late 1960s. Even if you don't spot a tiger, a visit to Chitwan is worthwhile for a chance to watch these prehistoric-looking beasts.

14. Durminskoye Forest Reserve, Russia

This section of the taiga forest in far eastern Siberia, home to the last remaining Siberian tigers as well as rare Amur leopards, is top on the list for big cat aficionados determined to see the rarest of the rare. Remote is an understatement for this wild region, best explored as part of an organized Siberian wildlife tracking tour through a reputable outfitter such as Wild Voyager or Naturetrek .

15. Zov Tigra National Park, Russia

With a name that translates as "call of the tiger," Zov Tigra National Park defines its existence as the last refuge of the endangered Siberian or Amur tiger, the largest of all the big cats. Only 500 of these magnificent cats remain in the world, and seeing them requires joining a responsible tiger expedition best suited to the more adventurous traveler. Even so, expedition organizers warn that travelers have a 1 in 8 chance of seeing one of these elusive cats, which prefer the cover of the region's dense forests.

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Naturetrek.co.uk a good company for Tiger Safari? - Kanha National Park Forum

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Naturetrek.co.uk a good company for Tiger Safari?

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Hi, we are planning to book a Tiger safari to Tadoba/Pench and Kanha next year with http://Naturetrek.co.uk and would love some feedback from anyone who has used this company.

Also as we have never been to India may I ask if the areas we are going to ( without sounding too ignorant) are quite safe for tourists.

Many thanks

Hi, Naturetrek has a good name in market and have never heard any negative about them yet. If you need any help regarding booking for wildlife tour in central India you can contact me at [email protected] with queries which I will be very happy to help with.

Most wildlife destinations are very safe for tourists and you will find people very helping so do not worry on safety part.

I am based at Jabalpur which is at close proximity to both Kanha & Bandhavgarh.

I would suggest you plan Kanha & Bandhavgarh instead of Pench/Tadoba.

Bandhavgarh prides in having the highest density of Tigers in India.

You can mail me for more info at [email protected]

This post has been removed at the author's request.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

Reviews of naturetrek.

A once in a life time trip visiting the high artic to witness the landscapes and animals found in that area.

A ten day cruise around Svalbard and up into the pack ice, the sights and experiences were exceptional enhanced by passionate, knowledgeable guides who were willing and helpful sharing their knowledge of the area and taking us to the most spectacular areas to witness amazing sights. The accommodation on the boat was clean with very pleasant 'hotel' staff and the food was very incredible.

Prior to departure, the information and schedule were shared, ensuring we were well informed and prepared. The tour guides provided were very knowledgeable and helpful, sorting all travel and accommodation for us not to mention their efforts to make sure all the group witnessed all the sights and sounds of the trip.

A wonderful Safari in Botswana - September 2023

7 days of Safari in the Okavango Delta region during which we saw a wide range of mammals and birds including close-up experiences with lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, antelope and impala, etc.

This was our second holiday with Naturetrek after Costa Rica in 2022. As before, the organisation was first class both prior to departure and when we were there. It is interesting to note that among the 11 other people on the holiday several of them had been on holidays with Naturetrek on multiple occasions beforehand.

Amazon rainforest experience in Peru.

Marathon journey to arrive at the seclusion of Lago Soledad, a beautiful setting, comfortable bungalows, great food. Lake and river trips for a variety of mammals and birds, including clay licks full of macaws and parrots. Jungle trails allow exploration of the forest and its flora and fauna. Energetic and knowledgeable guide ensured the whole experience was full of interest.

Have travelled with Naturetrek on previous occasions. They are an excellent company for those who like wildlife holidays, with many experiences available. I have never been disappointed, always find their guides good and locations and accommodation as expected.

The Natural Wonders of the Swiss Alps

A small group of like-minded people led by two immensely knowledgeable guides immersed themselves in the fabulous natural history of the Swiss Alps and enjoyed a memorable week of friendship and warm hospitality in a high alpine village. From our superb hotel base we explored the stunning mountain environment around us and rejoiced in seeing a huge variety of birds, flowers and animals many of which we had never seen before.

We had used Nature Trek before so we were very confident that we would again enjoy supreme efficiency, thoroughness and all round excellent service. Travel arrangements were clear and straightforward throughout, the choice of accommodation was outstanding and the expertise and organisation of the two gentlemen in charge of our itinerary was second to none. They were always willing to go the extra mile especially when obtaining and preparing our picnic lunches - a culinary highlight.

Spain's 'Big Three': In Search of Whales, Wolves & Bears

Yes we did see all three made possible by our dedicated and knowledgeable leaders It wasn’t just those Big Three it was all the other creatures and plants that we were introduced to including the birds like the Golden Eagle and Osprey The company and the food were great and I so appreciated the locations that took us away from the tourist attractions

Everything ran to plan and they were always on hand to answer any queries

An amazing trip to the Arctic region

It was an amazing experience travelling through the iceand seeing the polar bears and the whales.

Naturtrek is a wonderful organization, with lots of flexibility.

The ultimate safari experience

The holiday consisted of 2 days staying near Victoria Falls in Zambia and 9 days of mobile camping in wildlife reserves and parks in north-east Botswana. We saw a huge range of wildlife and landscapes and were largely on our own in our small safari group in the vastness of Botswana.

The tour operator was Naturetrek with the safari provided by Letaka Safaris by arrangement with Naturetrek. I chose Naturetrek because I knew that the safari would not just focus on the 'big five' but all the birds and other wildlife that we would encouter. And so it proved to be. We had a very knowledgeable guide, saw a great deal of wildlife and were very well looked after.

Fabulous animal and bird sightings

The holiday was great from beginning to end. Accommodation, food and all staff exceptional. Saw so much wildlife, fabulous.

I have travelled with Naturetrek a number of times and have never been disappointed.

7 day Small boat trip in the Canadian Rain Forest looking for bears, whales, other mammals

Flew from Heathrow to Vancouver; thence to Bella Bella where we joined the Island Roamer for a 7 day trip. Cabin for 2; shares toilets; good food; knowledgeable captain who knew where the bears and whales were hiding. Got us into great positions for photographs whilst not alarming the wildlife. Shore excursions every day to see the salmon run and bears fishing for salmon. Highlight of the trip was seeing a spirit bear. The trip had an expert ...

Flew from Heathrow to Vancouver; thence to Bella Bella where we joined the Island Roamer for a 7 day trip. Cabin for 2; shares toilets; good food; knowledgeable captain who knew where the bears and whales were hiding. Got us into great positions for photographs whilst not alarming the wildlife. Shore excursions every day to see the salmon run and bears fishing for salmon. Highlight of the trip was seeing a spirit bear. The trip had an expert chef who provided excellent food for everyone's tastes. Weather was lovely for the first two days, but then reverted to typical rain-forest weather - low cloud, drizzle and cold. But hey, we can't blame Naturetrek for that and it didn't stop us doing everything we had planned - more like authentic Canadian weather!

We have been with Naturetrek many times and have never been disappointed with the quality of the itinerary, wildlife or ambience. The guides are always highly knowledgeable and often nationally and internationally known experts. One of the good things is that we know every person on the trip will have an interest in wildlife, be considerate, helpful and good company. Naturetrek are reliable in terms of arranging flights and providing information on transits, even when they do not have a representative accompanying the trip.

Brilliant experience, visiting remote areas of Western Canada. For a wildlife enthusiast, this holiday is a must. From sea otters to whales and bears, this had all the right ingredients.

Very professional and helpful. Any concerns are quickly dealt with as the company is very easy to contact. All travel arrangements are organised for you.

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'Tiger King' figure 'Doc' Antle pleads guilty to trafficking wildlife and money laundering

Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, the owner of an exotic animal safari in South Carolina who gained recognition from the hit Netflix documentary series “Tiger King,” pleaded guilty Monday to trafficking wildlife and money laundering, federal prosecutors said.

Antle, 63, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, oversaw the sales or purchases of two cheetah cubs, two lion cubs, two tigers and a juvenile chimpanzee, all of which were protected under the Endangered Species Act, from September 2018 to May 2020, the U.S. attorney’s office for South Carolina said in a statement .

That violated the Lacey Act, a law that prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, prosecutors said.

Antle also pleaded guilty, prosecutors said, to conspiracy to launder money.

"Antle used bulk cash payments to hide the transactions and falsified paperwork to show non-commercial transfers entirely within one state," prosecutors said. "Antle also requested that payments for endangered species be made to his nonprofit so they could appear as 'donations.'"

Antle was known for the 2020 Netflix docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” in which he and his South Carolina safari and its big cats were featured.

He is the owner and operator of the Myrtle Beach Safari, which is also known as The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species, or T.I.G.E.R.S., prosecutors said. The safari is a 50-acre nature preserve that offers tours and the chance for private encounters with wildlife, prosecutors said.

Antle is also the director of a nonprofit group registered in South Carolina called the Rare Species Fund, prosecutors said.

In addition to trafficking wildlife, an investigation also turned up evidence of money laundering committed from February to April 2022.

That occurred, prosecutors said, when Antle and a co-conspirator "conducted financial transactions with cash they believed was obtained from transporting and harboring illegal aliens."

“To conceal and disguise the nature of the illegal cash, Antle and his coconspirator would take the cash they received and deposit it into bank accounts they controlled. They would then write a check to the individual that had provided the cash after taking a 15% fee per transaction,” prosecutors said.

In June, a jury acquitted Antle of five counts of animal cruelty .

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division said in the statement: “The defendant held himself out as a conservationist, yet repeatedly violated laws protecting endangered animals and then tried to cover up those violations.”

He continued, "This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to combatting illegal trafficking, which threatens the survival of endangered animals.”

Antle’s attorneys were not immediately available for comment Monday.

Antle faces a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, fines up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release for each count, prosecutors said.

Antonio Planas is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

‘Doc’ Antle from ‘Tiger King’ pleads guilty to wildlife trafficking, money laundering charges

Posted: November 7, 2023 | Last updated: November 7, 2023

CHARLESTON, S.C. ( WBTW ) – Myrtle Beach Safari owner Bhagavan “Doc” Antle pleaded guilty Monday morning to federal conspiracy and money laundering charges, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Antle, 63, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and conspiracy to launder money, the DOJ said in a news release. The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants, including animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Antle, the former ‘Tiger King’ star, faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release for each count. South Carolina U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Dawson III accepted Antle’s guilty plea and will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

It’s not the first conviction for Antle . In June, he was found guilty in Virginia of two felony counts of wildlife trafficking and two felony counts of conspiracy to traffic wildlife. Authorities said he illegally bought endangered lion cubs in Frederick County, Virginia, that were later put on display in Myrtle Beach.

The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre wildlife tropical preserve that offers tours and private encounters with exotic wildlife. Antle is also the director of the Rare Species Fund, a nonprofit organization registered in South Carolina.

According to the DOJ, Antle conspired to violate the Lacey Act between September 2018 and May 2020 by directing the sale or purchase of two cheetah cubs, two lion cubs, two tigers, and a juvenile chimpanzee — all of which are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Antle used bulk cash payments to hide the transactions and falsified paperwork to show non-commercial transfers entirely within one state, investigators found. Antle also requested that payments for endangered species be made to his nonprofit so they could appear as “donations,” the DOJ said.

The investigation also uncovered evidence of money laundering between February and April 2022, when Antle and a coconspirator conducted financial transactions with cash that they believed was obtained from transporting and harboring immigrants who illegally entered the country. To conceal the nature of the illegal cash, Antle and a co-conspirator took the cash they received and deposited it into accounts they controlled, investigators said, before writing a check to the individual who had provided the cash, minus a 15% fee per transaction.

“The defendant held himself out as a conservationist, yet repeatedly violated laws protecting endangered animals and then tried to cover up those violations,” said Todd Kim, assistant attorney general Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to combatting illegal trafficking, which threatens the survival of endangered animals.”

Antle pleaded guilty in July 2022 to three wildlife trafficking charges.

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Safari owner highlighted in ‘Tiger King’ series pleads guilty in federal case

CHARLESTON, S.C. ( WMBF /Gray News) – The Myrtle Beach man who was featured in the Netflix series, Tiger King, has pleaded guilty in his federal case.

Doc Antle, 63, pleaded guilty at the Charleston federal courthouse to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and conspiracy to launder money.

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. He is also the director of the Rare Species Fund, which is a nonprofit in South Carolina.

The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants, including animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Court documents show in September 2018 he paid a person to travel to Florida and pay about $35,000 for two young cheetahs.

Then in January 2019, Antle sold two lion cubs to an organization in exchange for $15,000, according to the documents.

He’s also made $10,000 in payments to the Rare Species Fund in exchange for two tigers that were transported from South Carolina to Montana in March 2019.

The court documents add that in May 2020, a young chimpanzee was transported from Florida to Myrtle Beach Safari, where Antle paid $200,000 in cash and check for the chimpanzee.

All of the animals involved are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

“The defendant held himself out as a conservationist, yet repeatedly violated laws protecting endangered animals and then tried to cover up those violations,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

Antle then used bulk cash payments to hide the transactions and falsified paperwork to show non-commercial transfers entirely within one state.

He also requested that payments for endangered species be made to his nonprofit so they could appear as “donations.”

The investigation also uncovered evidence of money laundering between February. and April 2022, when Antle and his co-conspirator conducted financial transactions with cash they believed was obtained from transporting and harboring undocumented immigrants.

To conceal and disguise the nature of the illegal cash, Antle would take it and deposit the cash into bank accounts they controlled. Antle and his co-conspirator would then write a check to the person who provided them the cash after taking a 15% fee per transaction.

“This investigation revealed a pattern of illicit wildlife transactions orchestrated by the defendant under the guise of donations and false paperwork,” said Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “The Service and our partners will continue to hold accountable those involved in wildlife trafficking and other related crimes to ensure the future of all federally protected species. The Service will continue to bring to justice individuals who profit from the illegal trafficking of big cats and endangered species.”

For each count, Antle faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release.

The judge will sentence Antle after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Myrtle Beach Safari owner highlighted in ‘Tiger King’ accused of laundering over $500K
• Myrtle Beach Safari owner featured in ‘Tiger King’ pleads not guilty in federal wildlife trafficking case
• Myrtle Beach Safari owner avoids prison time in Virginia wildlife trafficking case

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