06
NEWS
metronews.ca Tuesday, September 3, 2013
GuZoo whistleblower steps forward New details emerge. Activist admits to going on zoo property without permission seven times Jeremy nolais
jeremy.nolais@metronews.ca
Philip Shaw, who lives in Edmonton and works in Calgary, has taken responsibility for behind-the-scenes photos and video of the controversial GuZoo, near Three Hills, that have stirred a firestorm of criticism in recent months. Shaw is seen in the front parking lot at GuZoo. Courtesy Philip Shaw
An Edmonton animal-rights activist claims to be the person who took graphic footage and images at the controversial GuZoo over the Canada Day long weekend. Philip Shaw told Metro that the material, which includes a nearly 10-minute edited video showing maggots in a dish of cat food as well as carcasses in the vicinity of animal enclosures, was gathered during one of seven excursions at the private zoo near Three Hills, which has long been a source of controversy. Previously, the Council of Concerned Albertans for
AESRD had said it would Animal Welfare and Safety went public with the ma- need more information from terial after claiming to have the person who took the received it from an anonym- photos and video before it could investigate GuZoo’s curous whistleblower. But Shaw said Monday he’s rent standards. But Shaw also provided an “just an activist with a camera.” “I am willing to be pun- Aug. 16 letter addressed to him ished, as I have been,” he said, from Alberta Environment referring to two $275 tickets Minister Diana McQueen that he’s been slapped with for tres- shows the Society for the Prepassing on GuZoo property. vention of Cruelty to Animals “And I expect the evidence I had already conducted an ingathered to be used to improve spection of GuZoo after receiving complaints in July. and punish the GuZoo.” “It is the understanding of Shaw has also approached a representative with Alberta my staff that no violations were Environment and Sustain- detected under the Animal Proable Resource Development tection Act,” McQueen wrote. Shaw has gained notoriety (AESRD) and could discuss the material with investigators as among animal-rights proponearly as this week, ministry ents. He claimed to have swum spokesperson Nikki Booth said onto Calgary Zoo property during the floods in June to help on Monday. “We have been made aware free animals in partially subof him taking the responsibil- merged enclosures. He said his primary goal in ity for taking the photos and the videos and he will be put in targeting GuZoo is to pressure touch with the appropriate gov- on zoo owner Lynn Gustafson ernment officials to have con- to seek help from the province to take better care versations RVS with them,” Booth OH Metro Calgary Quarter 8_13.pdf 1 8/19/2013 2:42:38of PMthe animals living there. said.
YOUR GREAT NEW CAREER MAY BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! A great career does more than just pay the bills.
Become a
It becomes part of who you are. Now here’s the best part, your
Medical Lab Asst. in less than 6 Months
great career could be just months away with help from Reeves College. Head to any one of our five campuses across Alberta to find out how you can train for a career in business, healthcare, C
legal studies or art and design.
M
We offer Alberta Government approved programs, that lead to a rewarding career
You could even qualify for a $1,000 scholarship just by Y
CM
attending! Don’t miss this chance to find out just how close you really are to becoming the person you want to be.
MY
CY
Funding and employment services available
CMY
K
Clinical Practicum included
Hurry! Program starts soon
Other Programs include:
403.719.4300
3880 29th Street NE Calgary info@abmcollege.com www.abmcollege.com
Health Care Aide Medical Office Assistant Pharmacy Assistant Massage Therapy Business Administration Accounting & Payroll
September 5th, 6-8pm | Check in at 5:30pm openhouse.reevescollege.ca | 1-877-404-6814
Business is booming
Busiest summer on record: GuZoo More than 20,000 visitors have visited GuZoo since spring, its busiest summer since opening in 1990, owner Lynn Gustafson said. He added Monday it’s likely the zoo will remain open to the public during the winter months for the first time in three years due to increasing popularity. “Everybody’s commenting on how well the animals look and what good shape they’re in,” Gustafson said. “It makes you feel good to hear that.” His comments marked a dramatic turnaround from threats in July to close GuZoo off to the public within six months if RCMP didn’t lay charges in what he claims has been a rash of trespassing and vandalism. jeremy nolais/metro