Ideally, I would like to see the Guzoo shut down and the animals sent to accredited and respectable Sanctuaries and zoos. If for whatever reason that is not an option, then I would like to see the following:

1. An immediate ban on breeding and acquiring animals.
   
2. The zoo must abide by all permit and zoo regulations in the province of Alberta.
3.  The zoo must take the advice given by professionals that have more education and experience in the area of captive animal care, accepting that they have a lot to learn.
4. Downsize the collection of animals drastically by re-homing them in accredited and respectable sanctuaries and zoos. Focus solely on perfecting the habitats and care of the remaining animals. A small well kept collection is much more impressive then a large neglected collection.
5. Bring all remaining enclosures up to the highest of standards.
   

The Following points MUST be addressed if Guzoo is to improve:


* Shelter is inadequate for many species and many enclosures are without even plantings or windbreaks to shelter the animals from the weather. This should be corrected immediately.

* Many cages were far too small for the species housed in them. All undersized enclosures should be expanded.

* Many cages were filthy. It appeared as though the feces produced by their inmates had not been cleared up for some time. All feces and debris should be removed on a regular basis.

* Many cages, particularly in the case of the raccoons, were crumbling, with exposed wire ends, chewed and splintered wood. All damaged areas of caging should be immediately fixed or replaced.

* Inadequate separation facilities for most species. All enclosures housing potentially dangerous species should be equipped with secure secondary containment areas.

* No environmental enrichment for any species, even of a simple kind. A formal environmental enrichment program should be developed and implemented.

* Little consideration given to the behavioral and physical needs of the animals, beyond providing food (often the wrong kind of food and presented inappropriately).

* Many cages had inadequate water provision. All animals should have access to fresh, potable water at all times.
 
* Animal feeding by the public was allowed. This should be stopped immediately.

* Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (Fish and Wildlife) SHOULD NOT send native wildlife to this facility.

* A trained, professional zoo keeper should be hired.

* Holding areas for potentially dangerous animals - used to close the animals off in order for cleaning, to take place - were in very short supply. This is as much to reduce stress for the animals as to ensure keeper safety.

* As a consequence of the above, lack of holding areas should mean that double doors into cages and enclosures should then be in use. We did not observe any. This shortfall should be corrected immediately.

* Animal feces were often underfoot on public pathways. A regular program of cleaning should be carried out.

* No supervision for the public in any area and, as mentioned earlier, the owner and his employee left the zoo completely unattended whilst they went to pick up road kill. Under no circumstances should a zoo be left unattended, especially while visitors are on the premises.

* All domestic dog and cat access to the zoo itself should be eliminated due to the high risk of disease transmission.

* Regular worming schedules should be in place, particularly for the carnivores who may be at risk of heavy endoparasite and ectoparasite infestation from road kill carcasses.

* Public contact with potentially dangerous animals, such as young lynx, should be stopped. It is stressful for the animals, potentially dangerous to both animal and human and has potential to spread disease. Toxoplasmosis is a concern for pregnant women.

(Courtesy of ZooCheck Canada Prairie Zoo Report)