Good morning,

As a lot of people have already expressed in their letters, I used to be a supporter of the Guzoo. I went almost every second weekend until I was 16. Until the day a tiger (in the open and only chained to a hay bale) pinned me down and almost swallowed my head. Not in a scary way - there was no aggression, he was just playing, but still unacceptable that my entire head was in his mouth and his chain was pinning me to the bale. I now regret not making a formal complaint (or complaint of any kind) regarding this incident as it has been long forgotten (9 years ago!)

Recently, I contacted the Guzoo, still singing their praises, and asked if there were opportunities to volunteer. I received an email in return stating that unless I could devote several hours a week to cleaning cages, there was nothing I could really do other than donate money. (Again, I was upset and deleted the email, which I ALSO now regret).

After finding your site, and doing extensive research on my own (including shedding NUMEROUS tears) I am fully in support of your cause.

I've read the petitions on both sides of the "Roadside Zoo" issue, gone to the government and official web-sites reading the reports, looked up info on proper animal care, etc. Although I would like to see it succeed - If the Guzoo could change their attitudes and make it the kind of place some of us once believed it was...It would be wonderful. But from what I've read, I don't believe it will happen. Ever.

As a result: Kudos to you!!! My research prompted me to write letters to all the officials you have listed on your sites.

I would also like to say, although I live in Calgary, if there is anything I can do to help your cause with the Guzoo, or with your families foundation, I would like to help.

Please let me know.
And thank you for your efforts. I wish more people were like you.

-S N, Former Guzoo Supporter

(name removed for privacy)

MY RESPONSE:

Hi S____,

I can't express how happy I was to read your letter! I get quite a few emails from Guzoo supporters, and I just wish they would take the time to look into the issue themselves like you did.

It is so easy to go to Guzoo and get sucked in and believe in what they're doing, if you don't know anything regarding the proper care and maintenance of wild native and exotic animals, their natural behaviors, habits, etc. I've found that many of the people that continue to support them despite repeated discussions and arguments with those that don't support them, ultimately don't beleive that animals have the capacity to feel anything beyond hunger and temperature; as long as they have some form of food and some sort of shelter (whether it is appropriate or not doesn't seem to be a concern) then they can't see anything wrong with the situation.

I wish more of these people were like you; open minded and capable of looking into both sides of the issue and making an informed decision based on facts. When I first visited Guzoo, I could tell that it wasn't right...and the more I took the time to look into it, the more and more appalled I was at how deprived these animals actually are. 

Thank you for cheering  me up and showing me that this isn't a hopeless battle! (remainder of letter removed for privacy)

Thanks again,

Devon