‘Even the good guys were doing bad things’: the wild, twisted story behind the new Tiger King
Monsters of God is a jaw-dropping new series from the makers of the hit Netflix pandemic smash, exploring the murky world of exotic reptile smuggling
TL;DR
- The docuseries 'Monsters of God' explores the shadowy world of exotic reptile trafficking, a multibillion-dollar industry.
- The trade's origins are traced back to the 1960s with Hank Molt, who established a reptile price list and mailing service.
- Key figures in the trade include Tommy Crutchfield, Ray Van Nostrand, Mario Tabraue, and Anson Wong, often described as 'the Pablo Escobar of animal trafficking'.
- Smuggling methods evolved, including concealing reptiles with drugs to deter inspectors.
- The series highlights the aging figures of the trade and features interviews with individuals struggling with memory loss, such as Ray Van Nostrand.
- While no animals were harmed in the production, the series depicts the harsh realities of the black market, including 'spoiled inventory'.
- The trade has pushed some reptile species towards extinction and has had impacts on native ecosystems through invasive species.
- The documentary raises questions about the role of zoos in both fueling the trade and potentially aiding conservation efforts.
- The series examines the moral ambiguity faced by federal agents involved in pursuing reptile smugglers.
- Musician Slash contributed to the series' soundtrack.