Ohio zoo: Quarantine testing won't start for weeks for surviving exotic animals

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s state veterinarian says testing of a half-dozen exotic animals that survived release after their owner killed himself won’t begin for several weeks.

Dr. Tony Forshey said today the animals must be anesthetized to have blood drawn. He’s worried they’re too weak to survive the procedure.

The Columbus zoo is caring for three leopards, two monkeys and a young grizzly bear taken from a Zanesville home two weeks ago after owner Terry Thompson freed dozens of animals, then shot himself.

Police responding to the scene were forced to kill 48 animals, including lions, bears and 18 endangered Bengal tigers.

Zoo spokeswoman Patty Peters says under normal conditions animals arriving from other zoos with complete records must wait 30 days for such testing.

Peters says these six animals have no records.