"Originally known in 1919 as the “Cream of Barley Park” it was a small recreational resort hosting a swimming pool, cottages, tennis courts and a small petting zoo. The Connell family, who operated the facility as a small petting zoo, purchased Cream of Barley Park in the 1950’s. In 1964, the park underwent a name change to become the now famous Bowmanville Zoo. In 1988, under new ownership, it then became known as the Bowmanville Zoological Park.
The Bowmanville Zoological Park was CAZA, Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, accredited in 1993, and is a winner of the prestigious Thomas Baines Award for outstanding excellence and achievements.
As the oldest private zoo in North America, the park had established itself as an important voice in conservational education and the promotion of viable captive populations of endangered animals.
Maintaining the largest stable of trained animals in North America, Bowmanville Zoo had become a leading supplier of animal talent to the television, movie and entertainment industry. While concentrating upon the large feline predators and elephants, BZP had enjoyed great success with a wide array of mammalian, reptilian and avian species.
While the development of appropriate animals for the feature film and television market remains one of the major activities of the zoo, it was a smaller part of the principal ongoing efforts to educate and instil stewardship ethics of our planet in visitors to the zoo." (
visit link)
(
visit link)
"The Bowmanville Zoo closed its doors for the final time on Monday, after allegations of animal cruelty led to a dramatic drop in attendance.
The zoo’s director, Michael Hackenberger, stepped down earlier this year after he was charged with animal cruelty, following the release of a video by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals that appeared to show him mistreating a Siberian tiger during a training session.
Thanksgiving Monday marked the zoo’s last day in business. They offered free admission to visitors, with an option to donate at the gate to fund the relocation of the zoo’s animals.
“As we as a zoo gather at the table of Thanksgiving tomorrow 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,” read a statement posted on the zoo’s Facebook page.
Angus Carroll, the director of communications at the zoo, said that the video released by PETA led to an estimated 65 per cent reduction in attendance numbers in an interview with the Star in June.
“The decision was only made . . . when it became apparent, financially, that we couldn’t continue,” Carroll said.
The future of the zoo’s animals is now the next big question.
While Carroll said that dozens of staff have lost their jobs in the closure, some keepers and trainers will stay on until new homes are found for all of the animals.
The zoo, which first opened in 1919, billed itself as the oldest zoo in North America." (
visit link)