Lions, tigers escape from Ohio farm

The owner of an exotic animal preserve in a rural area in Ohio was found dead Tuesday after lions, tigers and other exotic animals escaped from the property.About 25 animals were shot and killed by sheriff's deputies, the Zanesville Times Recorder reported. Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said investigators were unsure how many animals were loose but about 50 were kept on the farm.Terry Thompson was dead when deputies got to the farm, Lutz said. He said Thompson was outside but did not release any details on the cause of death.The animals are "mature, very large and aggressive," Lutz said. In addition to the lions and tigers, the menagerie included grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves and cheetahs.Thompson was recently released after serving a year in prison on federal weapons charges. Lutz said he had a permit for the animals he kept and the operation was legal.Schools in the area were scheduled to be closed Wednesday morning. Lutz said area residents have been advised to stay indoors.Police were seeking advice from the Columbus Zoo on dealing with the remaining animals.