State Officials Say Wildlife Sanctuaries Are Closely Regulated
DENVER (AP) - Colorado officials say the state has tight regulations in place to prevent the escape of exotic animals.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says the state has seven wildlife sanctuaries that are closely regulated so they don't get into financial trouble.
On Tuesday, the owner of an exotic animal preserve in Zanesville, Ohio, committed suicide after freeing dozens of lions, tigers and other beasts that had to be destroyed. A sanctuary owner said the man had taken in so many creatures he was in over his head.
According to the Denver Post, the facilities must provide a contingency plan for escapes, show financial stability, provide a year-end inventory of animals and show proof of insurance if they take animals off-site.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
