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The Shocking Truth Behind The Turtleman Show's Cancellation: Where Is Ernie Brown Jr. Now In 2025?

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The legend of Ernie "The Turtleman" Brown Jr., the bare-handed Kentucky woodsman who captivated millions on Animal Planet's *Call of the Wildman*, remains one of reality television's most compelling and controversial stories. As of December 23, 2025, fans are still searching for the real reason the show vanished and what happened to the charismatic man whose catchphrase was "Live Action!"

The truth behind the show’s sudden disappearance involves a highly publicized federal investigation, allegations of animal mistreatment, and a tragic fate for one of its beloved stars. While the show ended years ago, the life of Ernie Brown Jr. has been anything but quiet, filled with personal tragedy and a continued commitment to his unique brand of wildlife rescue.

Ernie "The Turtleman" Brown Jr.: A Complete Biography and Profile

Ernie Brown Jr. is more than just a television personality; he is a lifelong Kentucky woodsman whose unique skill of catching snapping turtles and other nuisance wildlife with his bare hands earned him national fame. His story is one of grassroots celebrity, a man whose rugged, authentic lifestyle was momentarily thrust into the spotlight.

  • Full Name: Ernie Brown Jr.
  • Nickname: The Turtleman
  • Date of Birth: March 28, 1965
  • Birthplace: Washington County, Kentucky, USA
  • Known For: Star of Animal Planet's *Call of the Wildman* (2011–2014); catching snapping turtles bare-handed.
  • Career Start: Began diving into murky ponds to catch snapping turtles at age seven and has been practicing for nearly 40 years.
  • Signature Phrase: "Live Action!"
  • Sidekicks: Neal James (The Banjo Man) and his dog, Lolly.

Brown Jr. was born and raised in the rural heart of Kentucky. His early life was characterized by a deep connection to nature and a self-taught ability to handle some of the region's most dangerous creatures. His expertise lies in relocating nuisance wildlife, not harming them, a practice he claims to have maintained throughout his career.

The Shocking Controversy and Real Reason for Cancellation

The reason *Call of the Wildman* was abruptly canceled after four seasons was not due to low ratings, but rather a severe and damaging controversy involving the treatment of animals and the staging of "wild" rescues. This is the critical piece of information that ended the show's run on Animal Planet.

The USDA Investigation and Staging Allegations

The show's downfall began with a detailed investigation by the publication *Mother Jones*, which uncovered evidence that many of the 'spontaneous' wildlife encounters were heavily staged. The most damaging findings included:

  • Staged Rescues: Animals were allegedly acquired from breeders, zoos, or other sources, kept in small enclosures, and then released into specific locations for the cameras to capture the "rescue."
  • Improper Licensing: A USDA investigation found that the show's producer was repeatedly using animals without the proper licenses required by the Animal Welfare Act. This resulted in fines against the producer.
  • Lack of Credentials: It was revealed that Ernie Brown Jr. did not possess a current Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) license in Kentucky at the time of some filming, further complicating the legality of his on-screen activities.

The combination of a federal investigation, fines, and public exposure of staging severely damaged the show's credibility, especially for a network like Animal Planet, leading to its quiet cancellation in 2014. The show's producer faced the brunt of the legal and financial penalties.

Where Are The Stars of Call of the Wildman Now? (2025 Update)

The lives of the show's main personalities have taken dramatically different paths since the cameras stopped rolling. The latest updates on Ernie Brown Jr. and his sidekick, Neal James, provide a poignant look at their post-TV reality.

The Tragic Passing of Neal "Banjo Man" James

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ernie's beloved sidekick, Neal James, passed away in 2019 at the age of 55. James, known as "The Banjo Man" for his musical skills and calm demeanor that contrasted with Ernie's wild antics, died at the Isaiah House in Willisburg, Kentucky.

Neal James had been dedicated to helping others, working at the facility which assists individuals battling substance abuse. His death was a significant loss to the Kentucky community and the fans who adored his presence on the show.

Ernie Brown Jr.'s Health Scare and Current Status in 2025

Ernie Brown Jr. has faced significant personal challenges since his television career ended. He was involved in a "very bad accident" that resulted in a hospital stay and a recovery period. While the exact date of the incident is not explicitly 2025, it was a major post-show health event that shocked his fan base.

Despite the accident, Ernie has remained in the public eye, primarily through public appearances and a YouTube channel he started in 2017. He continues to attend events, meeting enthusiastic fans and sharing stories from his life as a nuisance wildlife handler. These appearances demonstrate his enduring popularity and his commitment to his "Live Action" persona, even without the backing of a major network.

His post-show activities focus on his core identity: a bare-handed woodsman. While the controversy surrounding *Call of the Wildman* permanently tarnished the show's legacy, Ernie Brown Jr.'s individual appeal as a genuine, eccentric Kentuckian has allowed him to maintain a loyal following, proving that the legend of The Turtleman lives on.

The story of *Call of the Wildman* serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of reality TV and wildlife conservation. The show's controversial cancellation and the subsequent life events of its stars, including the passing of Neal James, offer a sobering reminder that the "Live Action" seen on screen often hides a far more complex and challenging reality.

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