Federal authorities seized nearly 70 big cats at the Oklahoma zoo belonging to Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe featured in the Netflix docuseries "Tiger King."

The Washington Post reported that authorities recovered 68 big cats composed of tigers, lions, and ligers at Tiger King Park in Thackerville, Oklahoma. A jaguar owned by Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe was also seized.

The said park was formerly operated by now-imprisoned "Tiger King" star Joe Exotic.

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What Did Jeffrey Lowe and Lauren Lowe do That Lead to the Seizure of the Big Cats?

The seizure of the big cats stemmed from Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe's failure to comply with the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act, Fox 46 reported. 

The couple is also accused of their alleged inhumane treatment of the big cats. Because of this, the Justice Department filed a civil complaint against the couple for allegedly exhibiting the big cats without a license and endangering their health.

An affidavit submitted to the U.S. District Court noted that the 68 big cats and a jaguar "have been harassed" through actions that "disrupt their normal behaviors," which is done through inadequate sheltering and malnutrition.

Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe allegedly retaliated every time inspections will be held in their facility. Furthermore, the Lowes allegedly verbally and physically harassed an official while inspecting their property. 

An agent from a Fish and Wildlife Service claimed that Lauren Lowe threatened to kill him while Jeffrey Lowe intimidated him.

"This important animal rescue operation of nearly 70 endangered and allegedly abused lions, tigers, and a jaguar shows how effective civil forfeiture can be," said acting Assistant Attorney general Nicholas McQuaid from the Justice Department's Criminal Division.

How Are the Conditions of the Big Cats Featured in Netflix 'Tiger King'?

During inspections of the Tiger King Park, federal officials discovered several big cats suffering neurological symptoms that might be associated with a vitamin-deficient diet. 

The Washington Post reported that inspections also revealed animals are experiencing stunted growth and lameness.

When it comes to the diet of the cats, the affidavit stated that on December 15 last year, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) underscored that the only food available to the Thackerville facility for bog cats were only boneless chicken. 

When asked about the supplements, the affidavit noted that a facility representative presented a horse weight gain supplement that does not give the essential nutrients necessary to the big cats.

"Jeff Lowe's serial acts of animal mistreatment, sometimes with lethal results, have demonstrated that he's not fit to be an animal caretaker," said the president of Animal Wellness Action, Wayne Pacelle.

Edward Grace, assistant director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement, noted that the big cats would be moved to preserves to receive "proper care and rehabilitation."

Jeffrey Lowe and Lauren Lowe in Netflix's 'Tiger King'

Jeffrey Lowe, 56, and Lauren Lowe, 30, entered the limelight last year when they were featured along with the big cats on Netflix's "Tiger King," which is already streaming. 

Jeffrey Lowe was convicted in 2018 for illegally using animals in the valley of Las Vegas to make money.

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WATCH: Feds Seize 68 Big Cats From "Tiger King" Animal Park - From CBS Evening News