While the future of the GuZoo in Three Hill looks bleak, its local supporters are undeterred and continue to rally behind the owner of the zoo.
inSide Drumheller reported in its June 3 edition the GuZoo had been given a temporary licence in order to decommission the facility and eventually disperse the animals.
While proponents of closing down the site cheered, supporters rallied, and almost spontaneously, a demonstration of support was shown for the GuZoo just days after the announcement.
“I think they said there were over 800 people,” said Paula Sutherland, a GuZoo supporter, of the rally on June 12. “It was phenomenal, I was amazed when we were there.”
She said they raised about $4,500 at the rally to support the GuZoo.
She and other volunteers continue to go to the GuZoo as volunteers to clean cages and make improvements.
She said the Town of Three Hills has stepped up in support of the GuZoo. According to the Three Hills Capital an account is being set up at the town office to collect funds for the owners of the GuZoo to mount a legal defence, and a petition is being circulated throughout Kneehill County asking the province for an appeal.
Sutherland said the Drumheller group of volunteers continue to show support and have even set a fundraiser at Freson Bros. IGA this Friday. She said she is not sure where the funds will go, except to say it will be to support efforts of the GuZoo.
“What we would like to do, is allocate the funds to more along the lines of feeding the animals. We want to make sure the dollars are going to some place beneficial that we are fighting for, and we are fighting for the animals,” said Sutherland.
“Ultimately we are fighting for the animals themselves, ultimately to leave them in the home they are used to… and help make that healthy and happy environment.”
She said supporters are remaining active.
“We are still trudging forward, and we are still growing in numbers and we are still sending out letters to the government,” said Sutherland.
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