Animal farm owner frees 56 animals, kills himself

That headline says it all really, but I'll continue.  I first read about this in the local paper this morning, and felt like it wasn't real.  But it is. (Click for more info and video)

Terry Thompson, who owned an animal farm in Ohio, committed suide for unknown reasons Tuesday.  However, this was not before he left all the animal cages open, allowing his 56 exotic animals to roam free.  Local police were given a license to kill, since dusk was fast approaching. Schools closed, and residents were ordered to stay indoors.

After reading more about Thompson, I don't really feel too bad for him.  He was apparently a bad neighbor, and had several run-ins with the law.  He didn't treat his animals right, which is probably due to the massive quantity he had to take care of.  No wonder the animals all ran away, which is who we should be feeling bad for.

The casualties:

• 18 Bengal tigers
• 17 lions
• 6 black bears
• 3 mountain lions
• 2 grizzly bears
• 2 wolves
• 1 baboon

6 animals were captured and taken to the zoo: 3 leopards, 2 monkeys, and 1 grizzly bear.  If you do the math, that adds up to 55 animals.  The good news?  There is still a monkey on the loose!