Love during lockup: Tiger King’s “Joe Exotic” reveals engagement to fellow inmate

By Alyssa Buford

Former zoo operator and reality star Joe Exotic, whose last name is Maldonado-Passage, announced his engagement via X to Jorge Marquez, a 33-year-old inmate originally from Mexico, while serving his 21 years in prison, following the attempted murder of animal rights activist Carole Baskin. 

The two plan to marry in prison before Marquez seeks asylum or move out of the United States when they are both released. Maldonado-Passage is looking to overturn his conviction for the attempted murder-for-hire of Baskin. So far, he has managed to get his sentence reduced by one year.

Maldonado-Passage has been previously married to Travis Maldonado, who passed away in 2017, Dillon Passage, and had a long-term relationship with his colleague, John Finlay.

According to Passage, Maldonado-Passage decided to separate from ex-husband Dillon Passage in 2021, shortly after starting his prison sentence, with the two ending things on good terms. 

“Joe and I both understand that this situation isn’t fair to either of us. I will continue to have Joe in my life.” said Passage in a now-deleted Instagram post.

Maldonado-Passage was also diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in 2021 and is eager for his release. When he is released from prison, Maldonado-Passage plans to leave fame behind completely, as well as his old life.

“I’m never going to own another animal again,” he told News Channel 8.