2011 Zanesville, Ohio Animal Escape

Muskingum County Animal Farm was a private zoo located in Zanesville, Ohio, United States. The Muskingum County animal farm had been repeatedly reported for inadequate and unsafe housing for the animals, as well as insufficient water and food. On October 18, 2011, dozens of exotic animals were released from their enclosures. Lions, tigers, bears, and wolves were among the animals that escaped and were hunted by local law enforcement out of fear for public safety.[3] Owner Terry Thompson allegedly set free 50 of his 56 exotic animals before committing suicide by shooting himself in the head. Forty-eight animals were killed by the local police while two were presumed eaten by the other animals.[4][5] The animals confirmed to be dead were eighteen tigers, six black bears, two grizzly bears, two wolves, one macaque monkey, one baboon, three mountain lions, nine male lions, and eight lionesses.[5] Three leopards, a small bear, and two monkeys were left caged inside Thompson's home. These animals were tranquilized and sent to the Columbus Zoo.[6] One of the surviving leopards was subsequently injured in an accident at the zoo and was euthanized.[7]