Potential Tiger Sighting Prompts Police Search near Cincinnati Zoo and University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati police launched a search early Monday following reports of a possible tiger sighting near the Cincinnati Zoo and University of Cincinnati campus. The initial sighting occurred on Martin Luther King Drive, with a subsequent report coming from a frightened individual near Crosley Tower at UC. Despite thorough searches, the tiger was not found, and no additional sightings were reported, stated Lt. Jonathan Cunningham, a police spokesperson.

Officials confirmed that both of the tigers at the Cincinnati Zoo, Zero and Jin, were securely housed within the zoo premises. Michelle Curley, the zoo’s communication director, assured the public of the tigers’ safety. As the search extended to Burnet Woods and surrounding areas, police utilized drones to aid in their efforts.

It is important to note that owning a tiger or any other dangerous wild animal is prohibited in Ohio, with exceptions for those owned prior to the implementation of the law and authorized by the state. This legislation was reinforced following an incident in Zanesville where multiple animals escaped from a private property.