The disappearance of Carole Baskin’s husband, Don Lewis, has been one of the most mysterious unsolved cases in American history. For over two decades, people have been consumed with the question of what actually happened to Don Lewis. This article will explore the events leading up to Don’s disappearance, the investigations that followed, the theories behind his disappearance, and what Carole Baskin herself has said about the situation.

The Events Leading up to Don’s Disappearance

Don Lewis was known for being a flamboyant businessman, who owned numerous properties in Tampa, Florida. One of his most successful ventures was his exotic animal park, which he named Wildlife on Easy Street. Don was also known for being an avid animal lover, and he was married to Carole Baskin, a woman who shared his passion for big cats.

On August 18, 1997, Don Lewis disappeared without a trace. He was last seen by Carole, who claims that she last saw him on the night of his disappearance. Carole reported him missing to the police the next day, and thus the investigation began.

The Investigation into Don’s Disappearance

The investigation into Don Lewis’s disappearance was marred with inconsistencies, rumors, and speculation. The police looked at Carole Baskin as a potential suspect, and she was questioned extensively about the events leading up to Don’s disappearance. However, no charges were ever brought against her due to a lack of evidence.

Theories Behind Don’s Disappearance

One theory that has been put forth is that Don Lewis was killed and fed to the tigers at Wildlife on Easy Street. This theory has been fueled by the fact that Don often joked about what would happen if he disappeared, saying that he would end up in a tiger’s stomach. However, there has never been any conclusive evidence to support this theory, and no tiger hairs or other remains have ever been found that would suggest that Don was killed and fed to the animals.

Another theory is that Don faked his own death to escape financial troubles or to start a new life under a different identity. This theory has been supported by sightings of people who look like Don Lewis in Costa Rica, where he had a vacation home. However, none of these sightings have ever been confirmed, and Don’s disappearance remains a mystery.

After Don’s disappearance, Carole Baskin inherited his money and property. This led to rumors that she may have had something to do with his disappearance, as she stood to gain the most from his death. However, Carole has always maintained that she had nothing to do with Don’s disappearance and that she has no idea what happened to him.

The Renewed Interest in Don’s Disappearance

The case gained renewed attention in 2020 when Netflix released a docuseries called “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.” The series featured Joe Exotic, a former zoo operator and rival to Carole Baskin, who has been convicted of conspiracy to kill Carole Baskin and numerous animal cruelty charges. Joe Exotic accused Carole Baskin of being responsible for Don’s disappearance, which led to a renewed interest in the case.

Carole Baskin’s Response to the Docuseries

In response to the docuseries, Carole Baskin released a statement on her website, calling the series “salacious and sensational,” and denying any involvement in Don’s disappearance. She also accused the series of ignoring the truth about her and her family’s work with big cats, saying that they had worked tirelessly to save these animals and their habitats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the disappearance of Don Lewis remains one of the most mysterious cases in American history. Despite years of investigation, no one knows for sure what happened to him. Theories have been put forth, but none of them have ever been substantiated. Carole Baskin has denied any involvement in his disappearance, and no charges have ever been brought against her due to a lack of evidence. Whether the truth about Don’s disappearance is ever discovered remains to be seen, but for now, the case remains unsolved, and the mystery of what happened to him will continue to fascinate people for years to come.