On October 19, 2011, fifty-six exotic animals were released from their enclosures by Terry Thompson, owner of the Muskingum County Animal Farm in Zanesville, Ohio. A total of forty-nine bears, tigers, lions, and other animals were hunted down and killed by law enforcement. Soon after releasing the animals, Terry Thompson shot himself in the head. As a result, Ohio legislators passed the Dangerous Wild Animal Act. The list of “dangerous animals” included servals. Ownership by private owners was prohibited unless extremely expensive conditions were met. Future purchases were banned.
Simba, a male serval, had been a well-cared-for pet for six years. The Ohio law resulted in his owner being forced to give him up to EFRC. Simba was placed in an enclosure with two other male servals: Boi Pello and Mr. Bigglesworth. They can be seen on the EFRC tour.
The following letter was received from Simba’s owner:
I obtained my Serval Simba on Nov. 13, 2007. He was just 5 weeks old. He has been a joyful addition to our family, which also includes 3 other domestic cats and our dog, for the past 6 years. Simba is in excellent health: physically, mentally and emotionally.
Simba’s diet consists of a morning meal of “Zupreem” feline diet can food mixed with Friskies canned cat food. He has access to fresh water and dry cat food to crunch on throughout the day. He is in the habit of taking a hot dog to his room each night. His room is locked and he will remain, contently, there throughout the night.
Simba is litter box trained, and uses his box throughout the day and night. His litter box is cleaned daily.
Simba enjoys the company of both his human and animal family members. He eagerly engages in play activities and all five, Simba included, of our animals get along well whether they are playing or relaxing about the house, of which Simba has free rein to run and romp. He has even learned to play fetch.
He is a well mannered animal member of our family. As much as he enjoys to play he also enjoys TV time with the family as he takes advantage of being able to sit on our laps and lounge.
Simba receives regular checkups with his veterinarian at Pleasant Animal Hospital. All of his shots are up to date.
The Ohio bill passed by a wide margin. The law was created after consultation with organizations that included zoos. Perhaps they should have consulted with pet owners. The list of “dangerous animals” included the following felids, which pose little or no danger to the public: Canada lynx, Eurasian lynx, Iberian lynx, caracals, and servals. Once again politicians failed to pass intelligent animal ownership laws, and sanctuaries like EFRC pay the bills.
Simba, May 23, 2014