Guzoo shut down by Alberta government
After 21 years in operation, Three Hills’ Guzoo has lost its zoo licence following a third-party review initiated by the Alberta government.
The zoo, 127 kilometres from Calgary — and target of a viral social media campaign demanding its closure — has a week to “decommission” and give up its exotic animals.
This follows a Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums probe of the facility for 108 items under Alberta Zoo Standards, which cited “deficiencies in all categories.”
“We have not taken this step lightly,” said Mel Knight, Alberta’s minister of sustainable resource development. “Our number one concern is the safety of the general public, and after that the well-being of the animals.”
Knight said he was aware of previous allegations of animal mistreatment and zoo standards violations at Guzoo, but he was not immediately responsible before now.
“I take the appropriate actions when I am responsible ... I gave a 60-day extension and initiated a third-party review. This is the responsible outcome.”
Lynn Gustafson, Guzoo’s owner, yesterday called it a move by “Communist Alberta.”
“I am disappointed in our government,” said Gustafson. “This is the wonder of their whole
setup: I have to get rid of every animal, but then I can start over again.”
Gustafson would not say what his plans are but told Metro on Monday that he would not close.
Knight said if the owner keeps his business running, it won’t be as a zoo.
“The owner can not operate a zoo, period, without a permit.”
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