2007 has been a huge year for animal enclosure expansions. In preparation for the new 3 acre lion enclosure, many species at GuZoo have recieved larger enclosure and paddocks. The skunks upgraded to an enclosure more than four times the size of their former pen. This new enclosure is approximatly 400 square feet of space with logs and stumps to dig homes in and under. Bales of straw to den in for warmth in winter. The only draw back about this new skunk exhibit is that is so big, with so many hiding places for the skunks it is difficult to get a sighting of them. But if you come later in the day, the skunks are most active and you will likely have a chance to see them. GuZoo's camels, Julie and Jacob are enjoying a pasture double the size of their former. The Barbados Sheep have a new paddock that nearly triples their former one. The Rocky Mountain Elk now have several acres of pasture to roan around on. They have been moved to the far end of the zoo, so you will have to hike the hill if you want to view them. The Buffalo, Yak, wolves and coyotes, and raccoon also now enjoy larger enclosure. The Mouflon Sheep and the Himalayin Thar will soon be in their new enclosures as well. It is hoped to have the Lions in their new, huge 3 acre enclosure by the end of summer. Hope to see you there!

Wallace, our aging male has done it again. He proudly struts around his enclosure to announce the arrival of his three new babies. They were born a week ago, and we will leave them with their mother for another two weeks. At that time we will bottle raise them. Why don't we leave them with their mom? Well, it comes down to the fact that an animal born in captivity is destined to remain in captivity for the rest of its life. By bottle raising them the cubs will grow up to know people as their friend. This is important so they will not be stressed when cage cleaning and feeding times happens. This lowers the animals stress levels and makes them much more manageable as an individual for feeding, vet checks, and transport(should the need arise). A hand raised lion is generally a happier lion. Wallace for instance was hand raised and he looks forward to our visits by leaning up against the wires and moaning beckoningly so we may scratch his back. A captive born lion raised only by its natural mother never grows accustomed to human presence to the same extent as a hand raised one.

We have a new baby lion cub at GuZoo! He was born Jan 25, 2006 and is currently being hand raised in the Gustafson household. I will post pictures as soon as I can.

A farmer in Medicine Hat is giving 32 llamas to Guzoo. Costs to feed these animals was too high for their owner and the farmer was faced with exterminating to herd. As an alternative, he called Guzoo and asked if the zoo could give them a home. The llamas are due to arrive sometime in Febuary.

Guzoo is getting ready for it annual Christmas Pageant. Dec 8th and 9th at the Guzoo. All welcome. We still need participants for the event. There is free hot chocolate for all. Please bring a non parishable food donation for Church Christmas hampers. Irene Guzoo Animal Farm