Lava Hot Springs, Idaho made national headlines 20 years ago when several exotic animals escaped from Ligertown, a complex near the small resort town. Several ligers, a cross between a lion and a tiger, as well as lions escaped the complex on the evening of Wednesday, September 20, 1995. A local resident saw one near his home and shot and killed it then contacted authorities. Nearly 20 animals were found to have escaped, and most of them were shot and killed that night. Another was shot and killed Thursday night.

Law enforcement officials and animal rescue groups who later inspected the cages called the conditions “filth and squalor almost indescribable.” There had been more than 40 wolf-hybrids and more than 40 lions and liger crossbreeds living at the facility. The surviving animals were removed from the area, many went to the Wildlife Waystation in California.

The two people who owned the property, Dottie Martin and Robert Fieber were eventually convicted on 13 counts, including animal cruelty.