Results of judicial review on GuZoo animal farm to be released in the New Year

CALGARY – The future of a roadside animal farm near Three Hills, Alberta remains uncertain.

GuZoo became the focus of animal rights groups in the spring after an Alberta man posted photographs of his latest visit to the facility on Facebook. A social media and email campaign prompted the Alberta government to issue a shutdown order.

However, a stay of that order was granted pending a judicial review.

Throughout the fall, things have become quieter at the farm, partly by the design of owner Lynn Gustafson.

“We did something this year we’ve never done before – we just closed ourselves for the winter except for people with passes or appointments.”

Gustasfon still maintains the decommissioning order handed down by the province was poorly thought out, especially after he was told he would not be able to appeal the decision.

“We really feel that our constitutional rights have been shredded right before us. Criminals are given a chance to appeal and yet we weren’t.”

GuZoo’s lawyers succeeded in getting the judicial review scheduled and a stay on the shut down order was granted.

However, Zoocheck spokesperson R.J. Bailot says he can’t see the court ruling against the province.

“We’d be shocked if they don’t revoke their permit and close the zoo for the final time,” says Bailot. “We’ve had 15 years of infractions on the animal protection act, under the zoo act, so it needs to be closed down.

For both sides of the battle, it’s now a waiting game; the results of the judicial review will be made public in the New Year.

“It’s really weighing on our whole demeanour,” says Gustafson’s wife Irene. “It’s not a fun way to live like this.”

“It could go either way just because right isn’t always might.”

Lynn says he’s ready for the New Year whatever that might bring.

“It can’t be any worse. I’m looking forward to it actually.”

GuZoo is home to approximately 500 animals; the facility has been operating since 1990.