African Lion Safari’s 44th year began with roughly 40 protesters outside the gates holding signs and shouting that the popular attraction is unethical.
Wendy Bones, a member of K.O.A.L.A. (Kitchener Ontario Animal Liberation Alliance) was just one of the protesters handing out pamphlets to incoming guests.
“It’s profit first, animals last and it should be animals’ first, profit last.” Bones says.
Police from Hamilton made sure the protesters didn’t over step their bounds.
“Not everybody sees them, not everybody pays attention to what’s going on, especially during a protest.” Sgt. Brian Ritchie of Hamilton Police Service says.
African Lion Safari issued a written statement to CTV News saying “The Park is committed to providing an environment for self-sustaining populations of declining wildlife species.” The park says “Its hands-on approach is respectful to the animals and informative for guests.” The statement also says “With these interactions we can increase knowledge, inspire further learning and greater appreciation for the natural environment."
African Lion Safari is a popular attraction for families and students and has four different international zoo accreditations. Among them, the country’s public watchdog, The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Still, the group of protesters says the park should change its animal practices.
“They have rights just like we do and they have the right to be free.” Animal Rights Activist Bree Tatarnic says.
At one point Saturday afternoon, the protesters engaged in a shouting match with a picnicking family who apparently weren’t swayed enough to miss the park’s opening day.
In spite of the protest, not a single car turned around at the gates, all of them continued into the park.
