Tiger Rescuer Don Lewis' Family to Speak Monday in Tampa

TAMPA -- The family of the man whose disappearance was featured in the Netflix documentary "Tiger King" plans to hold a news conference Monday morning in Tampa (11 a.m. EDT).

Don Lewis' three adult daughters have hired the Jacksonville law firm Phillips & Hunt to investigate the disappearance of Lewis and issue subpoenas. Lewis, who founded Tampa's Big Cat Rescue sanctuary, disappeared in 1997. His daughters believe he was murdered. Lewis' former wife, Carole Baskin, had him declared legally dead.

Joe Exotic, operator of a private zoo and chief subject of Tiger King, was sent to prison for a plot to murder Baskin, subject of a long running feud over his treatment of the animals in his care. His claims in the documentary that she had a hand in Lewis' disappearance have been emphatically rejected by Baskin, who accused the documentary makers of spreading "unsavory lies." Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister has asked for tips, none of which have so far proven to be credible.

Lewis' family has placed a billboard offering a $100,000 reward for information near Big Cat Rescue, now run by Baskin. They also plan to hold a memorial service for him Saturday (15th) in Tampa.

Photo: Getty Images


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