APNewsBreak: Widow of suicidal owner who freed dozens of exotics moves 5 surviving animals

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The widow of an exotic animal owner who released dozens of creatures from their eastern Ohio farm before killing himself has told state officials she relocated the surviving animals to another farm in the state.

Marian Thompson says in a Dec. 30 letter obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press through a records request that she transferred two adult leopards, two primates and a bear to another farm.

The five animals were among those quarantined by the state after Thompson's husband Terry released them in Zanesville in 2011. Forty-eight others were killed by authorities fearing for the public's safety.

Thompson also says she moved two young leopards that weren't released to a separate address because of continued threats toward them and the property.

A message seeking comment was left with Thompson.