Residents in Ontario’s Muskoka cottage country were surprised to hear lions roaring last summer, sparking a debate among locals. Some individuals near the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau are advocating for the sanctuary to focus on native wildlife rather than housing exotic species like the seven African lions that were temporarily accommodated last year. However, the sanctuary’s executive director, Linda Glimps, has not ruled out the possibility of accepting lions in the future if needed.
The situation arose when A Humane World for Animals, a non-profit organization, requested the sanctuary to host the lions rescued from a Quebec roadside zoo. Glimps mentioned that the sanctuary had to maintain secrecy about the lion relocation due to ongoing legal proceedings. Despite the initial confidentiality, it was revealed that over $600,000 was offered to construct an enclosure for the lions, although it was not intended for permanent lion housing.
Following the lions’ arrival in May, some were relocated by July, except for a pregnant lion that stayed until October. Nearby resident Carolyn Pearce expressed concerns about the noise disturbance caused by the lions’ roaring, affecting her sleep due to a medical condition. Pearce, who had volunteered at the sanctuary for years, felt isolated as former acquaintances working at the sanctuary became uncommunicative.
Pearce and her son-in-law, Hap Wilson, proposed alternative sites for the lion compound to mitigate conflicts with residents. Wilson supported the sanctuary’s wildlife rehabilitation efforts but emphasized the importance of considering the impact on the local community. Glimps clarified that the sanctuary’s current enclosure exceeded the required setback distance and that the lions’ vocalizations were within acceptable levels.
The Township of Muskoka Lakes is now reviewing the enclosures, particularly the sea cans used in the lions’ housing, to determine compliance with building regulations. While the township deliberates on this matter, the sanctuary remains open to discussions and potential adjustments in their approach to housing exotic animals in the future.