Captive bear facility sparks concern

2009-04-25

Calgary Herald, Justin Brisbane

Environmentalists are lining up against a proposed Canmore wildlife centre that would house trained bears performing for tourists.

Canmore residents Jim and Brenda Stanton and wildlife trainer Ruth Labarge are seeking to run a wildlife conservation centre on Cross Zee Ranch, on the town's northeast boundary. The proposed centre, modelled after the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Mont., would feature five trained bears performing as part of an educational bear safety program.

Labarge, who has trained animals for more than 30 years, wants to house a black bear, three Kodiak bears from Washington state and a Kodiak from a Minnesota Zoo at the centre. All of the bears were born in captivity and have been used in various film shoots across North America.

"There are lots of hoops and big hurdles. When you have a dream, you never know," Labarge said. "We have a couple of potential investors, but it's one thing at a time."

Bow Valley Naturalists president Mike McIvor is encouraging town council to reject the proposal.

"In this valley, where we have access to wilderness, the idea that we'd put on a captive show with trained animals is repugnant," he said.

Using captive bears from out of province could also confuse the public, he said.

"We share this place with wildlife, but they are wild bears. We do them no favours if we reduce their wildness to the trained seal version," said McIvor.

"There are other ways to educate the public about bears."

The proponents said the bears would be housed in a 1.7-hectare enclosure on the ranch. They want the site to become world renowned for teaching conservation.

Labarge said two shows a day would allow people to see live bears and learn about bear safety. Two 2.4-metre electric fences, two regular fences and a webcam will keep the bears in check, she said.

"These bears are spokespersons for their wild brothers. Their drives and focuses are not like a real bear. Wild bears, from the time they wake until they sleep, they search for food. Our bears are like small children that enjoy performing, and their health issues are non-existent."

Banff National Park spokeswoman Michelle Macullo said Parks Canada is concerned the captive bears could bring disease into the Bow Valley.