Marian Thompson sent a letter to 10TV’s Kristyn Hartman on Wednesday as the Oct. 18 anniversary of the Zanesville exotic animal tragedy approaches.

The president of the Muskingum County Humane Society confirmed that the email address behind the letter belonged to Marian Thompson.

Marian Thompson is the wife of Terry Thompson, who released 56 exotic animals on his property and then shot and killed himself. Authorities said that they were forced to shoot and kill 49 of the released animals on Oct. 18, 2011.

Three leopards, two macaque monkeys and a bear survived. One of the leopards died at the zoo. The rest of the animals were returned to Thompson in May.

According to Thompson’s letter, the experience of the animals being released, taken to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and their return to her property has been an “unbearable emotional experience.”

Presently, I am writing for publication, a true account of this unbelievable and tragic chapter of my life.  My book will be dedicated to not only the magnificent animals that were lost on that horrific night in Zanesville, Ohio, but also to Terry William Thompson, my beloved late husband, who loved each and every animal dearly. Reflecting on my thoughts is offering me some peace of mind in the midst of losing 49 beings that were the heart and soul of my existence.

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