Columbus Zoo returns surviving exotic animals to widow

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Columbus Zoo today returned five surviving exotic animals to a woman whose husband released dozens of wild creatures last fall before he committed suicide.

Two leopards, two primates and a bear have been at the zoo since October. State officials had ordered that the animals be quarantined on suspicion of infectious diseases.

Marian Thompson of Zanesville had been appealing the order, and on Monday it was lifted by Ohio's agriculture director.

Thompson, distinctive in a bright pink shirt and black pants, arrived at a loading area at the zoo around 10:30, driving a pickup truck pulling a silver horse trailer.

Two animals were loaded by hand into the horse trailer in wooden crates, and roaring from the leopards could be heard coming from the crates. A forklift loaded a steel cage, likely carrying the bear. Thompson put her hand on the cage and appeared to be talking to the animal inside as it was put into the trailer.

The monkeys were transported in dog carriers and loaded inside the cab of the truck, with the windows rolled down. Thompson ignored shouted questions from nearby reporters.