N E W S R E L E A S E

Barbara Murray, North Shore Bear Advocate

Ph 604-924-0807 Pager 604-667-2327(BEAR) e-mail: murrlaw@shaw.ca

North Shore Bear Advocate Calls for a Moratorium on Expansion of Grouse Mountain’s Two Zoos

Barbara Murray, a well known North Shore Bear Advocate, is concerned by the latest death (May 24th) on Grouse Mountain’s “Mountain Top Zoo.”

“I was horrified and upset to hear about an alpha male grey wolf being killed by a grizzly bear when the animals were forced to coexist for the past six days. “It was an experiment that went terribly wrong “states Murray.

It is well known by biologists that Grizzly Bears and Wolves should never be placed together. In light of this recent event Murray would like to know: Why were the animals mixed; is the refuge running out of suitable housing or simply desperate for more eye-catching tourist attractions; which authority is overseeing such facilities and ensuring the safety of the animals?

“There is absolutely no scientific reason to attempt something like this. It is simple sensationalism to attract more visitors,” continues Murray.

Murray is also calling for a review of Premier Gordon Campbell’s April 24th campaign promise of $400,000 to expand Grouse Mountain Resort’s Zoo and granting this facility a highly prized wildlife rehabilitation license.

“Myself, wildlife experts, animal advocates and wildlife rehabilitators have grave concerns that more tragedies will happen if proper restraints and monitoring is not brought to bear upon this facility in the future.” states Murray.

She is calling for a moratorium on additional animals being procured for either of the Grouse Mountain Resorts Refuges, second one being at Kicking Horse Mountain, near Golden, B.C., until a full inquiry has been completed.

Other Contacts:
Northern Lights Wildlife Soc. Angelika and Peter Langen 250-877-1181 info@wildlifeshelter.com www.wildlifeshelter.com Smithers, BC

Hillspring Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility G.Leona Green 250-843-7681 glgreen@neonet.bc.ca Dawson Creek,BC

Zoocheck Canada 416-285-1744 rob@zoocheck.com www.zoocheck.com

Vancouver Humane Society Bruce Passmore - 604 266-9744 www.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca