Carole Baskin

Carole Baskin, born Carole Stairs Jones on June 6, 1961, is a prominent American animal rights advocate and the founder of Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit sanctuary located near Tampa, Florida. Through her work, she has raised significant awareness about the issues facing captive big cats, drawing attention from media outlets across the globe.

Baskin gained widespread fame in 2020 after appearing in the Netflix true crime docuseries *Tiger King*, which highlighted her contentious rivalry with Joe Exotic, a private zoo owner in Oklahoma. The series sparked considerable controversy, particularly regarding allegations surrounding the mysterious disappearance of her second husband, Don Lewis. Baskin firmly denied any involvement, addressing the speculation on the Big Cat Rescue website. Her memorable phrase, “Hey all you cool cats and kittens!”, became a viral sensation, transforming into an internet meme.

In addition to her activism, Baskin showcased her dancing skills on *Dancing with the Stars*, performing to a rendition of "Eye of the Tiger." She and her husband Howard also featured in the 2021 documentary *Shooting Joe Exotic*, directed by Louis Theroux. Through her various endeavors, Baskin continues to advocate for big cats and promote animal welfare on an international scale.