SPCA says zoo cruel to hippo
But officials say there's no basis for any type of charge

Jack Keating, The Province
Published: Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Cruelty charges against the operators of the Greater Vancouver Zoo will be announced today -- along with "ground-breaking news" to protect Hazina, the baby hippo at the controversial Aldergrove facility, the SPCA said yesterday.

The agency launched an animal-cruelty investigation in November. Details will be released at a press conference today at its Vancouver shelter.

The SPCA's Lorie Chortyksaud said the agency also plans to announce "ground-breaking news for the protection of zoo animals in Canada."

Zoocheck Canada and the Vancouver Humane Society have criticized Hazina's treatment since her arrival from Quebec in October, 2004.

"Her conditions have been appalling," said society spokesman Peter Fricker. "It's a small concrete barn. And she's been kept alone there for about 19 months now."

The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums withdrew the zoo's accreditation in 2004, citing the lack of heating in the hippo enclosure.

Zoo spokeswoman Jody Henderson said that "we firmly believe there is no basis for any type of charge, as we are not only improving but building a new indoor and outdoor enclosure for Hazina to live in."

The new hippo home will open June 24, she said.