Residents in Ontario’s Muskoka cottage country were surprised to hear lions roaring last summer, sparking a debate among locals about the presence of such exotic animals. Near the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau, some residents are advocating for the sanctuary to focus on native wildlife rather than housing African lions, as it did temporarily last year.
Linda Glimps, the sanctuary’s executive director, revealed that they were approached by A Humane World for Animals to provide temporary shelter for seven African lions rescued from a Quebec roadside zoo. Despite the controversy, Glimps did not rule out the possibility of accepting lions in the future.
The relocation of the lions was shrouded in secrecy due to ongoing legal issues. Glimps explained that they were prohibited from disclosing details until the last moment. However, she clarified that the sanctuary received funding to construct temporary enclosures for the lions, emphasizing that it was not intended for long-term housing.
While some residents appreciated seeing the lions, others, like Carolyn Pearce, who lived near the sanctuary, found the situation distressing. Pearce described being woken up multiple times at night by the lions’ roaring, which exacerbated her health condition. Eventually, she had to temporarily relocate until the lions were moved out.
Hap Wilson, Pearce’s son-in-law and a supporter of the sanctuary’s conservation efforts, suggested alternative locations for the lion enclosures to mitigate the impact on nearby residents. Despite the mixed reactions, Glimps emphasized that the sanctuary adhered to regulations and that the lion enclosure was set up at a sufficient distance from homes to minimize disruptions.
The Township of Muskoka Lakes is currently reviewing the legality of the lion enclosures, particularly the sea cans used, which were not approved through the proper channels. The township has yet to make a decision on the matter.
Looking ahead, Glimps stated that if faced with a similar request in the future, the sanctuary would approach it with more consideration and open communication with the community to ensure mutual understanding and respect for all parties involved.