Future of Exotic Animal Farm Unknown after Death of Owner

For now, a bear, lion and other exotic animals in Columbia Station, just across the Strongsville border.

But some residents in the northwest section of town are hoping the death of their owner, Sam Mazzola, will mean the animals will move on.

"I'm sorry to hear the owner has died, but I hope to stop worrying about my kids being mauled by a wandering lion," said Mary Canonico, who lives in Meadowood.

Mazzola, 49, was found dead in his home Sunday by an employee. 

Mazzola's Wildlife Adventures of Ohio, 9978 N. Marks Rd., has long been a source of concern for Strongsville residents who live close enough to hear the lions roar at feeding time.

The farm drew national attention last summer when an employee was mauled to death by a bear. Brent Kandra, 24, was killed in August 2010 when he opened the animal's cage to feed him.

With Mazzola's death, animal rights group PETA is concerned about the welfare of the animals on the compound, David Perle said in a news release, and is calling on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to immediately take custody of the animals and place them in approved sanctuaries.

"Many of the animals are kept isolated in barren, cramped cages with nothing to occupy them, and they are not given any opportunity to exercise," the release asserts.

PETA believes a number of animals, including five bears, two tigers, a lion, coyote, red fox, wolves, raccoons and a skunk, live on the farm now.

WEWS-TV is reporting this afternoon that the animals will, in fact, be moved.

In 2008, Mazzola lost his license to exhibit exotic animals. For years, he traveled the country offering people a chance to wrestle his bear, Cesar.

In one of his last acts in office, former Gov. Ted Strickland issued an executive order banning ownership of "dangerous wild animals," which are defined as all big cats, bears, coyotes and wolves, non-human primates, large constricting and venomous snakes and crocodiles, alligators and caimans.

Those who already own the animals can keep them, but they cannot breed them or obtain new ones. 

That temporary ban expired May 1 and is now under review by state officials.