Guzoo Animal Farm-But isn't it a Rescue/Sanctuary?

NO! Guzoo is lacking in all of the qualities required to be considered an accredited Sanctuary or Rescue. Guzoo hides behind the label of a Sanctuary/Rescue in an attempt to justify the conditions they keep their animals in yet at the same time, they perpetuate the cycle of abuse and neglect by breeding and selling their animals to zoos, private owners, etc.

In order to be accredited by The Association of Sanctuaries, Sanctuaries must follow these guidelines:

*	The animals are not allowed to breed. Life in a sanctuary is far better than what the animals had before they arrived there, but no animal should be deliberately brought into the world to live in other than natural conditions for creatures of his or her kind. That would be a disservice to them and would undercut the message of respect for the value of all life that we wish to promote. (Exceptions may be made when an animal's species is on the verge of extinction and a scientifically-based breeding and reintroduction plan is in place.) Guzoo Openly Admits to breeding guinea pigs, cats, dogs, rabbits, degus, raccoons, skunks, pigs, goats, chickens, sheep, lions, tigers, Singing dogs, bears, and basically any other animal that they can get a baby out of. Many of these animals breed year round, including the big cats. Where do all of the Babies go?
*	Use of the animals in commercial activities is prohibited. Animals will not be bought (except in extraordinary circumstances), sold, traded, or hired out for entertainment or other such purposes not consistent with their natural ways. Body parts are not sold. Public access to the animals is restricted and only occurs under conditions of non intrusiveness and respect for their privacy. Up until recently, Guzoo allowed public contact with lions/tigers up to 18 months of age, wolf cubs, bear cubs, coyotes, etc. They are planning a photography program. They also have their animals perform in a Nativity Scene every December. Animals at Guzoo are regularly traded, bought and sold. Gustafson has been convicted of illegally trafficking exotic animals. As these animals are bred, baby animals are sold regularly. They also breed basset hounds and pugs which end up in local petstores.
*	Sanctuaries accept lifetime responsibility for their resident animals. This may include rehabilitation and release in an appropriate habitat or transfer to another sanctuary that is better suited to their needs. Wild animals may not be adopted, but companion animals and animals who are typically farmed may be if standards of care are high and prohibitions on breeding and commercial activity are complied with. Guzoo does not have an appropriate habitat for the majority of their animals, and they are obviously not transferring them to a better facility. They sell wild animals to private owners, zoos, etc. Animals are adopted out to new homes with no adoption contract, spay/neuter agreements, background checks, etc.
*	Responsible sanctuaries recognize that the welfare of animals is always primary and that respectful collaboration with others on behalf of that welfare is obligatory. This not only best serves the animals but further demonstrates the fundamental value of respect for all life that is at the foundation of sanctuary existence. The welfare of the animals at Guzoo is one of their last concerns. They are most concerned about making money and acquiring more animals for their collection. They do not take the advice of Fish and Wildlife (violating permit violations) or knowledgeable organizations such as Zoocheck or WSPA. They denounce the two groups and have created a petition to request that the "Alberta Government doesn't listen to them anymore"; Despite the fact that Zoocheck and WSPA have commissioned the following experts to do reports on Guzoo and offer their advice: Marilyn Cole, Zoo Professional (20 Years Experience at Toronto Zoo) Dr. Samantha Scott, Vet and Animal behaviorist. J.Long, Zoo Professional Richard Farinato, former Captive Wildlife Expert for the Humane Society of the United States. (Details of their reports can be found in the 'History of Guzoo' section)
*	Member sanctuaries maintain all required licenses and permits in good standing as well as their federal 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status. Guzoo has been receiving temporary permits for years, each with special conditions added by the government in an attempt to improve the zoo. Gustafson has been convicted one under the Animal protection Act and three times under the Wildlife Act.

For example, a man in Abbotsford, BC named Kim Carlton has been traveling around the country with a Siberian Tiger named Kisa whom he keeps during this time, in the back of a u-haul. When in Aborted, Kisa lives under his porch. Kisa was acquired as a cub from Guzoo, in a trade Gustafson made in which he received a African Serval Cat.

"And, Gustafson said, he never gave the cat to Carlton, as Carlton contends in his speeches to the public and the media. He traded Kisa for an African serval cat. "It was a win-win situation for me. Kisa had a home and I got another cat," said Gustafson."

- AbbotsfordTimes; http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/issues02/082202/news/082202nn3.html

"I was shocked to think that there was such a display in a mall. The lynx was pacing back and forth. I can recognize an animal in distress and that lynx was in distress," said Donna. "I simply could not believe what I was seeing."

She was curious to know why a man who said his purpose for having the tiger on display to bring awareness of its plight to the public would not have any literature on hand about tigers. The only literature at his display was a promotional brochure for Carlton's exotic cat rentals for birthday parties, weddings, entertainment, fundraisers, martial arts events and photo sessions.

"I would think if he were really interested in saving the tigers, he would have more information on saving the tigers and what people can do to help," said Donna. "They're exploiting these animals is what they're doing. They just don't belong in an environment like that."

- Burnaby Now; http://www.burnabynow.com/issues02/082102/news/082102nn3.html

Because of Guzoo, Kisa now lives as you see her in the above photos. Guzoo cannot consider themselves a rescue when they breed animals and sell them, especially to people like Kim Carlton! Now who's going to rescue Kisa?!

WHAT ABOUT THE GUSTAFSONS?

The Gustafsons and their supporters claim that the reason we are trying to have Guzoo shut down or drastically downsized and improved, is not because we are concerned about the animals, but because we hate people and want to see them impoverished. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Here is their statement found on an online petition:

"These activist groups are immorally operated by non-Albertan (non-voters) who value animal life above human life. In their pursuit for "animal welfare" they give no consideration to the moral and economical consequences their agenda has on individuals and the nation's economy. Their goal is to take money from well-meaning people and use it for their personal gain. These groups publicly advertise their directive of ending hunting, commercial farming, and any other industry involving animals. The social and economic effects are of no concern to these groups who value only animal life."

Let me address this statement point by point.

-"These activist groups are immorally operated by non-Albertan (non-voters) who value animal life above human life."

Here they are speaking of groups such as WSPA and Zoocheck, both of which are animal welfare groups, not animal rights groups. They are dedicated to improving the lives of captive animals, not eliminating them completely. Many members eat meat, wear leather, etc. Members are found throughout the country, and whether or not they are Albertan or not means nothing; we are all Canadians.

- "In their pursuit for "animal welfare" they give no consideration to the moral and economical consequences their agenda has on individuals and the nation's economy."

This doesn't even make sense. The "moral and economical consequences?" What moral consequences, whatever that means, will befall the Gustafsons if they are forced by law to improve the lives of the animals they hold captive? Economically, sure, they may go through a bit of a tight spot....but by downsizing their collection, they should have enough money to vastly improve the lives of the remaining animals and focus their attention on them. They do not currently have enough money for all of the animals they have acquired, therefore any economic problems they are having was brought on by their own lack of planning and lack of concern for the welfare of their animals. They should not acquire first and build enclosures and proper habitats later. Responsible pet owners everywhere will tell you "Research and set up first! Acquire the animal later." Also, I highly doubt the closure of Guzoo will effect the Nation's economy in any way.

-"Their goal is to take money from well-meaning people and use it for their personal gain."

How is that even possible? How would we acquire your money? Why would the government give us your money? This statement doesn't even make sense. Our goal is not to impoverish people but improve the lives of animals they hold captive.

-"These groups publicly advertise their directive of ending hunting, commercial farming, and any other industry involving animals."

Wrong. This is the Publicly Advertised Directive of Zoocheck:

Over the years, Zoocheck's professional, animal protection campaigns have resulted in the closure of some of Canada's worst zoos; the cancellation of plans to construct new zoos and aquariums; improved husbandry conditions for captive wild animals; new or improved municipal bylaws across the country that control or prohibit the keeping and display of wild animals by private citizens, circuses and traveling shows; regional and national public education and awareness programs; a greater awareness of captive wildlife issues; and support for projects that directly protect animals in the wild.

Zoocheck has also provided vital support to the efforts of individuals, organizations and governments throughout Canada and around the world as they work to address wildlife problems and issues in their own regions. Training workshops have been conducted, campaign tools developed and advice, information and assistance have been provided to hundreds of different animal protection initiatives over the years.

This is the Publicly Advertised Directive of WSPA:

WSPA aims to promote the protection of animals, to prevent cruelty to animals and to relieve animal suffering in every part of the world. WSPA aims to promote humane education programmes to encourage respect for animals and responsible stewardship, and laws and enforcement structures to provide legal protection for animals.

WSPA believes that:

animals have the right to live their lives free from avoidable suffering at the hands of humans, rather than be used simply as 'raw materials' for the benefit of mankind. Animals have biologically determined instincts, interests and natures and can experience pain.
it is the duty of humans to provide for the welfare of other species.
all animals kept by, or under the control of, humans must be kept in circumstances appropriate to their species. And, where the physiological and behavioral needs of a species cannot be met, the species must not be kept by man.
where the welfare of an animal under human control is in question, the animal must be given the benefit of any doubt.
the different purposes for which animals are used must be regularly re-evaluated

No where do they say that they want to end the use of animals completely, though prohibition is the best case scenario in some areas. Both groups are dedicated to protecting animals in captivity from suffering. It is Animal Rights groups such as PETA that wish to end the use of animals completely.