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Animals are loose in Ohio after a private Zoo owner kills himself and releases the animals.  And these are just your average animals.

A  Zanesville man is dead along with approximately 35 wild animals on a 40 acre property off of Kopchak Road in Muskingum County. Authorities are still searching for a number of wild animals that are still uncaptured.Terry Thompson, the owner of the private farm, was found dead.  The Muskingum County sheriff’s office and Ohio troopers are looking for a range of exotic animals, including cougars, giraffes, tigers, camels, cheetahs, lions and grizzly bears.  Animal expert Jack Hannah is on the scene in Muskingum County as officials continue to look for the remaining  animals in the area.

As a precaution, the Licking County Sheriff’s Office activated members of its SWAT team who will be equipped with night vision and the necessary weapons to deal with any encounters with animals that may pose an inherent threat to county residents.

Licking County authorities encouraged residents to use caution when outside and to report any suspicious sightings to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office at 740-670-5555.

As a precaution the following schools are closed for the day in the area.

Zanesville City,  Foxfire, Maysville and West Muskingum Schools

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