Myrtle Beach’s ‘Doc’ Antle facing new allegations from PETA on nonprofit’s funds

Bhagavan “Doc” Antle and his Myrtle Beach Safari are undergoing more scrutiny from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which says he appears to have both abused animals and misused charitable funds.

Antle is an animal trainer known for his appearances in Netflix’s “Tiger King” shows. Last year, he was charged in Virginia for wildlife trafficking and animal cruelty. He faces a trial beginning on July 29, 2022 in Circuit Court for charges of animal cruelty, according to Virginia court records.

PETA, in a news release Thursday, said Antle might be using charitable funds to subsidize his for-profit Myrtle Beach Safari.

The animal rights group claims the charitable funds may have come from the nonprofit Rare Species Fund.

In letters to the IRS and the South Carolina Secretary of State, PETA called on the IRS for an investigation into the nonprofit.

Neither Antle nor Myrtle Beach Safari returned multiple requests for comment from The Sun News.

The Rare Species Fund also appears as Preservation Station Inc. with the IRS.

According to the IRS, the Rare Species Fund is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that has generated $1.993 million from 2015 to 2019. The fund’s mission is “wildlife conservation/education,” according to IRS documents.

PETA wants to hold roadside zoos, such as Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari, accountable. Most aren’t accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, according to PETA lawyer Brittany Peet.

At roadside zoos, “animals are typically denied the necessities of life including appropriate enclosures, environmental enrichment, and adequate veterinary care” Peet said.

The Sun News has reached out to Netflix for a comment and has yet to hear back.