The Elephant in the Living Room (1:36) 2011

The Elephant in the Living Room is a documentary which highlights exotic animals, their owners and the resulting dangers. A Dayton, Ohio police officer is often called to capture exotic animals on the loose. Yes, in Dayton, residents see lions attacking cars on a highway, a mountain lion in a wooded area adjoining residents' backyards.  Officer Harrison has captured multiple alligators, boa constrictors and venomous pythons. Harrison speaks about how there are many pet owners who keep exotic animals as pets until the "pets" become too big and/or too dangerous. These animals either escape or are abandoned in wooded areas. Juxtaposed is interviews with Terry Brumfield who keeps two lions in cages on his property. Terry has raised one of the lions from a cub, a gift from a friend when Terry was recovering from an injury. Terry loves and cares for them. Harrison and Brumfield cross paths when the lions escape and attack passing car on the highway.Will these two men be able to agree on what is in the best interest of the lions? Although I have absolutely no interest in raising any exotic animal, the documentary knocked my socks off with the information on how common it is for people to own them, with or without a license. Harrison and Brumfield has opposing beliefs but the documentary gives both sides a respectful, balanced look. I recommend this documentary which gives a up close look at exotic animals - on the television screen. Which is as close as I need to get.