UPDATE: Diseased Monkey Still on the Loose

Only one of Terry Thompson’s wild animals is still on the loose Wednesday night.

Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said 49 of the 56 animals were killed, including one baboon, two wolves, six black bears, two grizzly bears, nine lions, eight lionesses, three mountain lions and 18 bengal tigers.  Lutz said his deputies continue to search for a monkey that is likely carrying a dangerous disease.

"The director of the Columbus Zoo as well as The Wilds has recommended that the monkey be shot and killed," said Lutz.  "It is very possible that this monkey is carrying Herpes B."

Officials from The Wilds said the monkey is considered extremely dangerous and should not be approached.  Lutz said only horses remain on the 73 acre farm.  He said three leopards, two monkeys and a grizzly bear were contained on the property, and they are being taken to the Columbus Zoo.

"As volatile as this situation was, and the conditions that these animals were being kept in, it was apparent that we wanted them transported to a location where they could be evaluated," said Lutz.

Earlier on Wednesday, Lutz confirmed that Thompson opened the gates to free the animals and then committed suicide.  Another news conference has been called for 10 AM on Thursday.