San Diego’s big cat and wild animal sanctuary is reaching out to local officials in Ohio to offer their help after 48 bears, big cats and other beasts escaped from a wild-animal preserve.
“All of us at Lions, Tigers & Bears Big Cat and Wild Animal Sanctuary and Rescue are deeply saddened by the tragic events,” said Lions Tigers & Bears Chief founder Bobbi Brink.
The owner of the Muskingum County Animal Farm was found dead, and cages that housed dozens of dangerous animals were left open.
Police have killed most of the escaped animals. The sheriff says he believes up to 35 of the 48 loose bears, big cats and other beasts have been accounted for.
“We are reaching out to local officials to assist where and how needed and waiting on further information on the condition of the animals,” said Brink. “We will continue to reach out to Ohio officials to provide assistance and will update our members and sanctuary visitors as to further needs to help place the remaining animals if necessary.”
As officials warned that more animals still were on the loose, three school districts in the region and some private and special schools canceled classes as the remaining bears, big cats and other beasts from the Muskingum County Animal Farm were hunted down.
Flashing signs along area highways told motorists, "Caution exotic animals" and "Stay in vehicle."
The animals' cages had been opened and the farm's fences had been left unsecured, police said.
The preserve in Zanesville, about 55 miles east of Columbus, had lions, tigers, cheetahs, wolves, giraffes, camels and bears.
Sheriff Matt Lutz called the animals "mature, very big, aggressive" but said a caretaker told authorities the animals had been fed on Monday.
Tuesday night, more than 50 law enforcement officials -- including sheriff's deputies, highway patrol officers, police officers and officers from the state Division of Wildlife -- patrolled the 40-acre farm and the surrounding areas in cars and trucks, often in rainy downpours. Lutz said they were concerned about big cats and bears hiding in the dark and in trees.
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