Thompson Taking Animals From Zoo At 2:00 p.m.

The Columbus Zoo says the exotic animals rescued from Terry Thompson’s farm on Kopchak Road in Muskingum County are going to be released to their owner today at 2:00 p.m.   Zoo Vice President of Community Relations Patty Peters says they have been notified by the attorneys for Marian Thompson of her plans to take back the six animals that survived last week’s tragedy at their farm in Muskingum County. The group of animals includes three leopards, two primates and a young grizzly bear.   The move could come as early as today (Thursday). The Zoo is trying to stop the release of the animals, but has no legal right to do so.  Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz says he has been advised that Mrs. Thompson could be moving the animals to another preserve in Northern Ohio – possible near Mansfield where she now lives. Lutz says that location has been inspected by officials and has been deemed safe for the animals. Peters says the Zoo has no legal rights to the animals and originally removed them from the Thompson farm with the permission of Mrs. Thompson.  Last week deputies shot and killed 49 animals that esaped from the Thompson farm including Bengal tigers, lions and bears.