Surrey Leader
Jun 16 2006

On May 30, we were made aware by a reporter that charges were being laid regarding cruelty to animals.

As of May 31, neither our lawyers nor the Greater Vancouver Zoo have been served with any charges and of course we will defend ourselves should any be laid.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is in the final stages of completing Hazina’s (our baby hippo) new home and is planning a celebratory opening ceremony for June 24.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is committed and dedicated to ensuring that not only Hazina, but all animals of the zoo are taken care of in the highest possible standards.

Our hippo is seen twice a week by our vet, Dr. Burton, and he has complete confidence in our ability to care for our hippo.

Dr. Burton commented at our press conference May 31 that the temporary enclosure is not windowless, as claimed. Nor is Hazina without adequate water to support her body.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo has never hidden where Hazina is currently residing and if you were a visitor to the zoo, you would see that Hazina has three windows in her temporary enclosure, as well as a large door that is open during the day.

Hazina’s temporary enclosure is primarily concrete, but is fitted with rubber matting on the floor for her comfort.

The new enclosure for Hazina has definitely taken much longer to build than all of us had expected, but again we can’t emphasize enough that we have taken the extra time and care to provide the best facility for our hippo’s needs.

The cost to date on building her new enclosure is in excess of $500,000. It is our understanding that her complete hippo facility (both indoor and outdoor) will be one of the largest of its kind in North America.

There is some pressure on zoos worldwide from groups who feel vehemently that no animals should be kept in captivity. We respect those views. There are strongly held views on the other side as well.

Another aspect of the news articles which is disturbing is that it leaves the reader with the distinct impression that our zoo is a profit-driven enterprise that mistreats and exploits the animals in their enclosures.

Almost all of the gate receipts these past years from the zoo poured back into improving our facility for the benefit of the animals in its trust and the public.

The SPCA fulfills an important function in our community and the zoo has had a long-term good relationship with them.

We are transparent in our operations.

Over the last several years we have taken in several animals from the SPCA’s shelter into our care, such as a reindeer, common marmosets and a peacock.

In addition we have provided advice and expertise when needed on exotic animals.

Anyone who is concerned about the welfare of our animals should come in person and judge for themselves.

Our mission at the Greater Vancouver Zoo is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered species, and creating an educational environment that inspires appreciation and concern about wildlife and wild places, while providing a pleasant recreational setting for our visitors.

Jody Henderson and Jamie Dorgan

Greater Vancouver Zoo, Aldergrove