Little Ray's may close Hamilton and Ottawa rescue zoos by June and relocate 900 animals

After borrowing almost $1 million during the COVID-19 pandemic, the owner of Little Ray's Nature Centres says it may have to close both of its rescue zoos in Hamilton and Ottawa and relocate roughly 900 exotic animals if COVID-19 restrictions remain in place by summer time.

"There is a very real risk that one or both of our facilities will not make it past June," said Paul "Little Ray" Goulet, the company's founder and CEO.

"Our landlord has been advised that it is highly unlikely we can continue past June. Our staff are aware of that as well."

The business has fallen prey to the pandemic and the necessary restrictions to stop the virus from infecting more people — but unlike most others, Little Ray's has to worry about all of the animals it cares for and Goulet says closing could create a gap in how Ontario manages the animals they rescue.

"We have been the backstop for the province of Ontario ... we have animals in our building from every single province and territory in our country except for the Northwest Territories," Goulet said.

Paul 'Little Ray' Goulet says he has borrowed nearly $1 million to keep the business afloat. (Paul Goulet/Facebook)

Andrew Morrison a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General said Animal Welfare Services is aware of Little Ray's potential closure of its zoos.

"In the event that the facility has to close it would be the responsibility of the owner to ensure appropriate relocation of the animals and compliance with the Standards of Care per the Provincial Animal Services Welfare Act," Morrison said in an email.

Goulet said the business is split into two parts — the side that has animals brought into museums and festivals for educational purposes, and the rescue zoos in Ottawa and Hamilton. Goulet said the government has bundled them into one business and that he has borrowed roughly $910,000 through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Canada Emergency Business Account program.

Both zoos have been unable to operate at full capacity throughout the pandemic and Goulet said it has seen a 95 per cent drop in revenue year over year. They've been unable to take any rescue animals either, which has prevented Goulet and the team from finding more animals safe homes outside of the zoos.