Springwater Park animals on the move
Thirteen animals from Springwater Park Zoo, just north of Barrie, will now call Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary home.
Today, nine of the 13 animals, ranging from an albino raccoon, lynx, and a black bear, have been moved from the park that closed in April to the sanctuary just outside of Rosseau. Since the park closed, the Ministry of Natural Resources has been searching for appropriate, and permanent homes for the animals inside.
Aspen Valley chair Julie Woodyer is pleased with the new additions, and happy they would now be receiving the best care.
“(The park) didn’t have staff on all the time, which you can imagine puts it into a pretty precarious situation, not only to care for the animals, but for the whole park,” Woodyer said Wednesday afternoon. “Some of the animals are actually going to provide companionship for some of the animals that are already here, so it’s a win-win situation. We’re one of the only faculties in the province that can provide enclosures that can meet the animal’s biological and behavioural needs.”
Last year the MNR announced the park would close, as it has been losing $100,000 annually and requires $1 million in capital upgrades.
Minister announces animals’ relocation
Letter to Les Stewart, Springwater Park Citizens Coalition May 29 2013
As a follow-up to my earlier correspondence, I am writing to provide you with an update regarding Springwater Provincial Park.
As you are aware, on April 1, 2013, Springwater Provincial Park became a non-operating park and we announced that the ministry would no longer be maintaining the wildlife facility.
The health and well-being of the animals are very important to us and I am pleased to inform you that, by working cooperatively with Zoocheck Canada, we have found new facilities for all of the park’s rescued wildlife.
As promised, we have secured wildlife sanctuaries that are leaders in providing facilities that meet the animal’s specific biological and behavioural needs. The majority of the animals are remaining in Ontario and many will be housed at the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau. A few animals will move to other suitable sanctuaries in Nova Scotia and Quebec.
With the assistance of animal experts and Ministry of Natural Resources staff we have started the relocation process of moving the animals to their new homes today.
We continue to encourage visitors and local residents to use Springwater or to explore other provincial parks nearby that offer vehicle access and day-use opportunities.
Springwater continues to be protected land regulated under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, which will ensure this land is protected for future generations.
We would be pleased to review a business proposal from a potential partner, provided the proposal is consistent with the ministry’s fiscal commitments. For further information, I encourage you to contact Ken Lacroix, Project Manager, at ken.lacroix@ontario.ca.
Again, thank you for your continued interest in Springwater Provincial Park.
Sincerely,
David Orazietti
Minister of Natural Resources
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