Alberta Environment News Release
Friday, January 28, 2000
Minister calls for stricter operating standards at controversial Alberta zoo
"I support the work of this task force and all efforts to improve conditions at the GuZoo facility and any other
Alberta zoos requiring improvements". Gary Mar, Minister of Environment
Calgary - Environment Minister Gary Mar is strengthening operating standards at a southern Alberta zoo in response to
public concern and recommendations from a provincially appointed task force.
Guzoo Animal Farm, located near Three Hills about 100 kilometres northeast of Calgary, will have to develop and
implement a formal Zoo Plan to improve existing conditions before Alberta Environment will renew its annual operating
permits in the future. The task force targeted several areas for improvement, including sanitation, feeding standards,
public safety and the physical comfort and well-being of animals.
The task force was struck in the winter of 1999, in response to public complaints about conditions at Guzoo. It included
representatives from Alberta Environment, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the Society for Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals, Agriculture Canada, the Drumheller Regional Health Authority and an independent zoo operator. The task
force based its recommendations to the Minister on two inspections of Guzoo, one in February 1999 and another in September
1999.
"The task force recommendations are based on thorough first-hand observation and
science," Mar said. "We have taken firm action to improve conditions at Guzoo."
The task force concluded that while conditions at Guzoo need improvement, the animals there are in good health and not
in distress. Needs of food, water and shelter are being met.
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