The remains of ‘Tiger King’ zookeeper Erik Cowie claimed by the family, without a memorial

The keeper of the “Tiger King” zoo Erik Cowiethe body was not picked up by Jeff Lowe as expected … instead, someone claiming to be a relative of Erik obtained the remains from the medical examiner.

Jeff tells TMZ… him and his wife Lauren were told this week that someone claiming to be a member of Erik’s family has claimed the remains, and they are dropping plans to have him cremated and spread his ashes at their Oklahoma zoo.

As we first told you … Jeff felt like Erik had no family and his remains might not be claimed, so Jeff was ready to step in so that Cowie’s body was not not dumped in a mass grave without a proper shipment. -disabled.

Now Jeff says he heard that Erik has 2 kids … but he says he didn’t think either of them would have come forward because the kids were estranged from their father.

A spokesperson for the New York Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to TMZ … that a family member has claimed Cowie’s remains, although the ME has not said who.

As we reported … Jeff and Lauren were planning to have a great memorial service for Erik, but now they’re moving on to a little meeting with the zoo staff instead of a public farewell.

Jeff says he doesn’t want to steal the show from Erik’s family, who might have their own department.