Eric Goode will always be known for “Tiger King,” his truth-is-stranger-than-fiction 2020 insider’s perspective on several big cat-obsessed American tiger owners.
With Thursday’s “Monsters of God,” the 5-episode HBO documentary series about the massive, illegal, global reptile trade, Goode, 68, has a different subject he has spent decades uncovering.
“I’ve been a reptile lover my whole life,” he began in a virtual interview. “I’ve watched and chronicled the reptile world for well over 60 years easily.
“I remember what it was like when there were no laws — the late ’60s and early ’70s. You could go and buy any reptile or any animal, pretty much.
“There was no Endangered Species Act law. No Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species. The story that we chronicle in the show, I literally watched during my lifetime and knew quite a few of these people.
“I became aware of the role reptiles played in the wildlife trade and how big the reptile trade is. I got involved in what we are living through today which is known as ‘the 6th extinction’: The first man-made extinction (of a turtle species).
“Monsters” took years, simply because, “When we make these films, we cast a wide net, filming taxidermists, shark hunters, people that use reptiles for medical research (like for the COVID vaccine).
“You might have to take a break to get all sides. To have the zoo voice we talk with a zoo director. To get law enforcement there are many levels: the DOJ and U.S. National Wildlife Service.
“Eventually we decide on the story that we think is worth following.”
Does he ever hope to top “Tiger King”?
“Honestly, I’m more proud of ‘Monsters of God.’ This was much more complicated.
“Not that it will capture the imagination of the world, the country, like ‘Tiger King’ did. But this is more important, in respect to the extinction crisis and the role the reptile trade plays in the global wildlife and exotic animal trade.
“I don’t think a lot of people are aware of the scale of it. Globally it’s a multi-billion-dollar business.
“There are the dealers, the smugglers. And the consumers! To get all sides was complicated and took a lot of finesse and a lot of relationship-building.
“We were probably the best suited to make this show — because we knew a lot of the people ahead of time. We’re involved in this world in a very intimate way. I work with the wildlife service. I work with part of the zoo community, frankly.
“So we had an insider look at it. But it still wasn’t easy.”
“Monsters of God” airs on HBO Aug. 6 at 9 p.m.
