African Lion on the Loose in Ohio
African Lion on the Loose in Ohio Save Email Print
Posted: 7:55 PM Nov 21, 2007
Last Updated: 8:01 PM Nov 21, 2007
Reporter: WSAZ NewsChannel 3
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

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Folks driving in the area of US 23 in Pike County Ohio must have thought they were in another country.

That’s because an African lion was chasing their vehicles. It happened Monday morning near Wakefield.

Police started getting all kinds of calls about a lion on the loose. Deputies were able to find the lion and its owner who was trying to catch the animal.

Lambert is the lion’s name. He weighs 550 pounds and is Terry Brumfield and his wife’s pet. They actually have two lions—Lambert and Laci. Terry says he keeps the lions to help him with depression. He said the lions are just like big house cats, but he does not recommend them as pets.

Somehow Lambert managed to escape his cage and went for a walk on the interstate.

“He just runs after them, like a dog chasing a car. He'd run about ten of 15 foot and come back," owner Terry Brumfield said.

Terry was able to coax Lambert to get back into his cage.

Ohio does not currently require a permit for exotic animals. The lion was contained and unharmed, but the whole ordeal is still under investigation.

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Posted by: Jeff on Nov 26, 2007 at 06:12 PM
First of all, I want to just say that I am related to Terry by marriage. Terry is a good man and cares a great deal about animals and has always cared for many different kinds of animals. From skunks to lions! He is a kind of a Dr. Doolittle! I could not imagine the cost of maintaining all of these different animals. WOW! I think alot of Terry and know how he feels about animals and cares for them. I'm sure this is a isolated incident. However, it did escape and caused some havoc. What if the South Bound Flea Market was going on and it went towards that area? What a horrific outcome that could have been. I would'nt want Terry to get rid of them! But, I do think they should have never been captured or born to captivity! They are wild and deserve to be free to do as they want.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 23, 2007 at 08:40 PM
Id hate to be riding a motorcycle with a lion chasing me! Im glad there was a happy ending

Posted by: mj on Nov 23, 2007 at 08:16 PM
I used to live less than 5 miles from there. I couldn't believe what I saw on CNN. How cool. I remember these people. I wish I was still there. I'd love to have lions. I'm glad the lion is ok. Enjoy their company. I'm glad it helps your depression. The lion was probably playing with the cars. I miss Southern Ohio

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 23, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Does "Siegfried and Roy" ring a bell? I'm sure they thought their lion was "safe" too.

Posted by: Judith on Nov 23, 2007 at 04:40 PM
I want one!!!!!!

Posted by: Steve on Nov 23, 2007 at 04:32 PM
It is wonderful that the lion was not hurt and to all of you who are screaming obout you should be on Prozac and the lion should be in a zoo, let me ask you are you a doctor, no, well are you a zoo keeper, no. Then you should keep your comments to yourself. Yes it is a large animal but it didn't attack anyone or anything. Its 500lbs if it was dangerous it it would have. It is just like saying you can't have a pit bull because it might do something. Or better yet you can't drive your car because you might run over someone. I have owned a Bobcat once granted it is not as large as a lion but according to your way of thinking he should be iin a zoo. He never hurt anyone or anything, but he was still wild right, wrong. He was my friend and he got along with kids and dogs alike.Again he was no loin but the same instinct is still there it is all in how you raise them, so if you haven't done it, you don't understand it. I'm just glad that there are people who still rescue animals.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 23, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Joanie rollins you are are too carried away. I do not tthink a wild animal is the only cure for depression. OOps-what if that animal killed a child. What if some hit and killed the innocent animal. I do not know these people, you are correct. I only know that someone acted irresponsibly allowing this animal to escape. I think most people agree lions are not domesticated animals and should be cared for and housed by professionals for the sake of the animals and the public. Thank you for your response Joanie Rollins.

Posted by: Beth on Nov 23, 2007 at 12:37 PM
I am glad the animal didnt get hurt. Also this family must take great care of these 2 lions, or we would have already heard about them. I also dont see aything wrong with raising them, if you know how, and obviously they do.

Posted by: KD on Nov 23, 2007 at 11:22 AM
I'm just amazed that there are no ordinances against owning such a dangerous WILD animal! This is not a pet! If you want a pet, get a dog or a cat..but if you absolutely MUST own a lion, please do your community a favor and make sure it doesn't get out again. Your irresponsibility in containing this animal could have resulted in someone's death.

Posted by: my opinion on Nov 23, 2007 at 01:44 AM
I think it's wonderful when a person can be content with an animal..and NOT HAVE TO BE PUT ON DEPRESSION MEDICATION..I have a dog that helps me with mine..and let me tell you if you EVER and i MEAN EVER BEEN ON THOSE STUPID PILLS they do more harm than any good.I know..AND THATS MY OPINION!!!!!!!!!.I"m glad you have your pet back..and i'm sure you take very good care of them..God Bless you and your family..PS..IT'S VERY CRUEL TO PUT AN ANIMAL IN A ZOO..HOWD YOU LIKE TO BE LOCKED UP IN A CAGE 24/7 WITH NO ROOM TO RUN OR PLAY...

Posted by: Joanie Rollins on Nov 23, 2007 at 12:28 AM
Well "AMY"... Some people don't like to be on anti-depression medication. Since YOU know NOTHING about these people, maybe you should keep your 2 cents in.. They are good people, family oriented and are animal lovers.. NOTHING wrong with people who love their animals. They raise their animals in a loving place.. Ooops, one got out, in the last decade... Does that mean AMY needs to be contained in a zoo too?? Wait, some dog attacks can be fatal also, so i guess All Dogs need to be shipped to Africa as well?? I believe its all about how animals are raised.. ect.. "My opinion", because i know these people, and i know they are good and if these animals help him, i see nothing wrong with it. We all have opinions, but also, i take my opinions with what i know, and the facts too..

Posted by: Joanie on Nov 23, 2007 at 12:11 AM
Terry is a part of my family, and he takes wonderful care of all his animals. He is an amazing person, as his whole family as well. I love them very much! I got an email from Terry the night this happened, and he said.... "BUSY DAY"!!!!! THAT INDEED! LOL! <3!

Posted by: Josh on Nov 22, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Wow, Im so amazed i didnt know about this sooner, this happened like 4 miles from my home, in Piketon. If he got away from the man, my 2 kids couldve been supper. Maybe he shouldnt be allowed to own such a dangerouos animal.

Posted by: AMY on Nov 22, 2007 at 07:03 PM
I think animals like that do NOT belong in people's homes. They need to be in a zoo. Thankfully no one was hurt, or worse. Prozac also works for depression. How would you feel if you were these people's neighbors? You wouldn't be able to let your kids out.

Posted by: Melinda on Nov 22, 2007 at 12:03 PM
I'm glad to hear that the lion made it back home safe with its family. As many crazy people as we have in this state its good to hear when an animal has reached a safety point at home with its family. GOD put the animals here for men and woman to take care of not harm them. GOD bless those who take care of all animals.

Posted by: Debbie on Nov 22, 2007 at 04:10 AM
I hope my kitty don't get that big.

Posted by: charlie on Nov 21, 2007 at 11:53 PM
I am glad you got the story and aa picture. I was one of the people who saw the lion.I drive a truck aand was coming back to huntington.I think people though I was nutty thanks for the story. Charlie K.

Posted by: sue on Nov 21, 2007 at 08:15 PM
did it travel from west virgina ha ha. they can put that one on the camera!!!! ha ha

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