Ohio Woman Set to Reclaim Exotic Animals from Zoo

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- An Ohio zoo says despite its opposition, a woman plans to reclaim three leopards, two primates and a young grizzly bear that have been cared for by the zoo since her husband freed dozens of exotic animals at their farm and killed himself.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says it was notified that Marian Thompson will pick up the animals Thursday afternoon.

The zoo says it took the six surviving animals last week from a farm in Zanesville with Thompson's permission but has no legal rights to them. A spokeswoman says the zoo has contacted state and federal agencies in search of a way to keep the animals in its care and isn't giving up yet.

Ohio has some of the nation's weakest restrictions on exotic pets.

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