other zoo campaigns

ALBERTA ZOO REFORM

Click here for information about Guzoo Animal Farm

On April 1, 2006, new zoo regulations came into effect in Alberta. All zoos are now required to satisfy specific criteria to operate in the province.

Zoocheck has been pushing for new regulations since the mid-1990s and is pleased that new rules are in force. However, due to historically lax enforcement practices, Zoocheck is concerned that the new regulations will not make a significant difference to Alberta's zoo animals.

Prior to April 1st, the Province of Alberta required anyone wishing to operate a zoo to obtain a license from Alberta Environment, the provincial ministry responsible for captive wildlife. Despite this licensing requirement, a number of grossly substandard zoos, such as Guzoo Animal Farm, continued to operate for years with little substantive action on the part of the authorities.

In an effort to highlight the need for all zoos to operate at an acceptable professional standard and to encourage the Government of Alberta to take enforcement of the new regulations seriously, we are urging anyone concerned about wildlife in Alberta to write to Ed Stelmach, Premier of Alberta, and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton asking them to ensure that Alberta's new zoo regulations are enforced in a proactive and comprehensive way and that substandard conditions not be tolerated like they have been in the past. If zoos are unable to operate in a safe, humane and professional fashion, then they should be closed.

Please email:
The Honourable Ed Stelmach
Premier of Alberta

The Honourable Ted Morton
Minister, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

If you'd like to send your letter by mail:

Legislature Bldg.
10800 - 97th Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada, T5K 2B6

Please copy your e-mail or letter to Zoocheck.

MEXICAN POLAR BEARS

Coming Soon!