[1] On October 18, 2011, owner Terry Thompson allegedly set free 50 of his 56 exotic animals before taking his own life by shooting himself in the head.

Lions, tigers, bears and wolves were among the animals that escaped and were hunted by local law enforcement out of fear for public safety.

[6] In the years leading up to his death, he went to prison on federal firearm charges (unregistered machine gun), was heavily in debt, and his wife had left him.

[7] Jack Hanna, TV wildlife expert and Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, lamented the killings but deemed the police actions necessary.

[4] Troy Balderson, Zanesville's representative in the Ohio Senate at the time, sponsored a bill requiring a permit and liability insurance for private owners of dangerous wild animals in the next legislative session.