Tragedy strikes again
Around the time when things were picking up for Joe, tragedy struck again. As the zoo continued to grow, Brian’s health deteriorated. His husband, Brian Rhyne, suffered from illness complications, and he had passed away in 2001. Brian’s funeral was held at the zoo. However, it didn’t take long before Joe has found a new love.
Joe found love with a 24-year old events planner, J.C., and with his help (meaning, his equipment), pushed forward his roadshow. He visited shopping malls where he would charge children and families a fee for petting the tiger cubs.