Bowmanville Zoo closes today after animal abuse case against owner
CBC News | Posted: October 10, 2016 6:23 PM | Last Updated: October 10, 2016
Zoo thanks supporters who backed operation east of Toronto 'through thick and thin'
The Bowmanville Zoo is closing its doors for good on Monday after what it calls a "remarkable run" and after much controversy.
In a Facebook post, the zoo said: "... on our final day of operation the thing we are most thankful for are our loyal supporters and followers who have stood with us through thick and thin."
The zoo, which is open until 4 p.m. on Monday, with the last admission at 3 p.m., said it would accept voluntary donations at the gate to help fund the relocation of its animals. It is located about 75 km east of Toronto.
Last December, Michael Hackenberger, the zoo's co-owner, was caught on film apparently using a whip to strike a Siberian tiger, Uno, repeatedly during a training session.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a U.S. based animal rights group, posted part of the undercover video online in December.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals investigated the incident and laid five animal cruelty charges against Hackenberger. He stepped down as zoo director earlier this year.
PETA urged people not to visit the zoo.
In June, the zoo announced it would be closing its doors for good in October because attendance had dropped off "catastrophically" following the controversy.
The zoo, which opened in 1919 as a park, billed itself as the oldest private zoo in North America. It changed its name in 1964 and was bought by new owners in 1988.
In 1993, it became CAZA, Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, accredited.
According to its website, it supplied "animal talent" to the television, movie and entertainment industry.
It is not known where its animals will be relocated.