No area zoos report missing lions; no private permits on file
The Madison County Sheriff’s Department in Indiana spent Thursday morning searching for two lions that were never found, after a local resident reported spotting what appeared to be a 300-pound lioness wearing a blue harness alongside a smaller cub near the boundary of Madison and Hancock Counties.
Deputies responded at about 10 a.m. to a report of “two large, exotic felines” on a property along South County Road 50 West, according to a statement from the sheriff’s department. The resident who called in the sighting said the animals were traveling southwest before visual contact was lost. The larger animal was estimated at about 300 pounds and was described as wearing a blue harness; the cub was estimated at 100 to 150 pounds.
Ground units from the Madison County and Hancock County sheriff’s departments, along with the Indiana State Police, searched the area for four hours. Thermal drones were also deployed. The teams were unable to locate any large felines.
A WXIN-TV report indicated the animals had earlier been spotted by a drone operator, but Madison County officials said the presence of lions on the loose was being treated as unconfirmed.
“While law enforcement has concluded the active search, residents in the area are encouraged to remain attentive and report any unusual animal sightings to local authorities immediately,” the sheriff’s department said.
No lions have been reported missing from any area zoos or sanctuaries, according to the department. The sheriff’s department also said it was not aware of anyone in the area with a permit to keep lions privately.