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Times-Advocate, 1979-05-16, Page 17Price Per Copy 25 CentsEXETER, ONTARIO, MAY 16, 1979 ------------------------ -.....- ...... Birds and pets start as hobby now zookeeping full time job Ted Relouw has a one out of three chance of grabbing the wrong skunk. There are three skunks who call his zoo “home”, and they are just waking up from a long winter’s hibernation. Soon it will be time to move them to a new cage so that summer •visitors will be able to make their acquaintance. Relouw picks up the skunks and moves them to their summer home every spring without difficulties. But other years he had only twoskunksto move. This pair of skunks have been de­ scented, and are quite happy in their zoo home. In fact, they were so happy, they X-i- invited a third skunk to join them. And this fellow, who’s been their bunk mate for the winter is still equipped with spraying power. When moving day comes, Relouw doesn’t know how he can kick out the visitor without insulting him, and arousing his anger. Just another dilemma of a zookeeper. Ted Relouw’s Pineridge Zoo, just off of highway 21 about 2V2 miles south of Grand Bend, is nearly as popular a spot for summer visitors as the beach. New tourists stop in all the time, and old friends return year after year to see their F I •A' ♦’« 1 / (IF ■ -ms 82 II-h ii It ’T fRVI 1 [r i I *- favorite animals or find out what new additions have been made. Relouw’s collection began about seventeen years ago with some pheasants. Birds were his first interest, and soon he had included a few ducks and even some budgies. At that time, he was a brick layer by trade, and keeping the birds was just a hobby. Now the roles have reversed — zookeeping has become an occupation, and bricklaying a hobby he enjoys during the off-season. But even when the zoo is closed to visitors, there is still the never-ending i fllllll pirn ffl!! THE BEAR FACTS — Big Ben stands up to see what Ron Relouw might have in his hand. Renovations underway Newcomers open shop Grand Bend’s Main Street has been undergoing her annual face-lift this week, in preparation for her yearly debut on Victoria Day. The aging lady has been courted by several old friends and an abundance of new acquaintances who hope to beautify her. The layer of ' winter’s sand has been brushed away, and in many places a new coat of paint- applied. Her suitors want her to keep her lively and youth­ ful appearance. A new sign brightens up the beach end of Main Street, and gives color to the old and idle casino. Howard Solomon says the business was named “Missy’s” after his partner’s three year old daughter. Solomon, along with Jack Albin have leased the ground level annex to the casino and plan to serve take out foods. This is their third year in business in Grand Bend. Two years ago they operated the now burned out "Dog House” on the beach, and last year they had the same location they now occupy. Solomon says they have improved, their menu over 1 last year when they only served ice-cream and micro­ wave cooking. Solomon, who lives in London most of the year, says he hopes that the kite shop and wind surfing rentals will be in operation this season. Solomon says that London developer Paul Fraleigh owns the casino complex, and plans to rebuild the area are still being made. Solomon says that con­ dominiums may be a possibility for the beach front site. Across the street at Fun City, owner George Knapp says that few changes have been planned. Knapp, originator and 30 year veteran of the amusement park, says hespenti$150,000 this season. Knapp is ^^replacing the old roller ^•coaster with a scrambler ^^and a giant ferris wheel. If there are no tie-ups at customs, the new rides Seaforth should soon be delivered and erected. Frank’s Arcade in the old drug store building has a new owner this season. Les Seiler of the Creamery has purchased that business. Seiler also owns Huron Amusements, a company which supplies and looks after pin ball machines for several places in Grand Bend. Seiler says the arcade will operate much like it was last year. There will be a pool table and pin ball machines, as well as a submarine sandwich take-out place. A London shop owner is opening a branch in Grand Bend this summer. Cengiz Masazade, of “A Touch of Beauty” on Richmond Street in London, will have a similar shop where Ravelles Gift Shop was formerly located. Masazade is leasing the building from Keith Scott of Keith’s Hairem, located next door. Masazade will be selling women’s clothing and jewellery. This summer, Lake Huron fans will be able to have the same orangeade that Lake Erie visitors have had for years. “Mackies”, a popular spot at Port Stanley, has opened up in bright orange and blue paint where “Jack and Din’s ” used to be. Jeff Phillips who owns the Port Stanley operation has leased the building here in the Bend Phillips says he’s the third owner since George Please turn to page 18 OPP dust out cells, 24 on staff here There’s another grand opening in the Bend that many people won’t find as exciting as the unveiling of a new gift shop, or the opening of a new restaurant. The Grand Bend detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police went into business last night at midnight, arid will stay in operation until September 5. Sergeant Jim Crighton is in charge and has 23 men un­ der him. Crighton comes to Grand Bend after working at the Forest detachment for eight years. Crighton says that about nine of the men have work­ ed in Grand Bend during previous summers. The men come from all over — Ot­ tawa, Peterborough, New­ castle, Cobourg, for exam­ ple. Their home for the summer will be the Foun­ tainblue Motel. Crighton says the detach­ ment has three cars, one paddy wagon, and a motor­ cycle. They also have their own breathalyser machine, and, Crighton adds with a grin, “We do have cells.” One large cell features a plywood platform in the middle,“Not exactly a home away from home,” Crighton says. The large cell can han­ dle groups who want to drop in, while two smaller cells will suit those who prefer private rooms. Functional metal platforms serve as beds in the small cells. Another small room houses a selection of hard hats and billy clubs. Judging from the amount of dust collected on them, they haven’t been used recently. Sergeant Crighton says he is looking forward to a good summer in Grand Bend, “We expect people to come up here for a good time, but we expect them to abide by society’s rules,” Crighton says. According to Crighton people sometimes come to the beach from the city and forget that the beach is governed by the same laws as they had in the city. “We want them to have a good time, but keep the peace,” he says. cleaning, feeding and repair work to be done. He opened up menagerie for public view about ten years ago, after his collection grew to include exotic animals and strange beasts. Friends and neigh­ bours wanted to see what he had, so he thought everyone would be interested. Now he’s not even sure how many birds and animals he has. A sign on the high­ way erected a few years ago says there are more than 40 displays. The sign is still accurate today, but it should read “far more” than 40 displays. Relouw looks after his assortment of animals with the help of his sons, teenagers Matt and Ron who go to North Lambton Secondary School in Forest, and Gary who is in grade one at Mount Carmel Separate School. The collection grew with the purchases of older animals from various zoos, and by making trades. Relouw has two friends in the zoo business — one in Bowmanville, and another at Wasaga Beach. By trading the offspring of some of his unusual couples Relouw was able to get new members for his strange family. While most of the Relouw Boys’ friends probably have pets, these fellows can brag about their mountain lion. The one year old cat was born at the zoo, and has become the boys’ playmate. On sunny days the cougar enjoys a romp on the grass, and then the boys leash it to a tree for some sunbathing. Relouw estimates that his shaggy buffalo is probably the most valuable animal he owns. “That’s if you consider that buffalo meat is $3.00 a pound”, he says. However, he’s quick to add that the Chamber of Commerce isn’t going to get ahold of this buffalo for their annual burgerfest. Buffalo meat is no longer being used at the burgerfest because of the high cost. Relouw plans to take his buffalo cow to meet a buffalo bull sometime in the future, and hopes to have a baby buffalo next spring. His monkey collection is probably quite valuable now, too. That’s because monkeys can no longer be imported. Relouw proudly shows off his new baby. Unfortunately the mother Rhesus monkey is not nearly as willing to be co-operative. She keeps her baby, who is just a few weeks old, hidden in her chest, her tiny hands stroking the little baby’s head as gently as any mother would. Papa baboon isn’t nearly as loving — towards zoo visitors or his own family. His wife and children cringe fearfully as he goes on the rampage, rattling the cage doors and chattering angrily at his guests. “He can be miserable, that guy,” Relouw says. The old baboon’s gnarled hands reach between the bars of his cage as he greedily grabs the pellets of food tossed him by his keeper. Mama baboon, the older daughter and the baby get very little. The only injuries Relouw has ever received are the occasional nips from some of his monkeys. No visitor to the zoo has ever been hurt seriously either, even though the cages are easily ac­ cessible by the public. Many descendents of Relouw’s original bird collection can still be seen. Brightly colored pheasants varieties Peacocks proudly show off. their regalia. Exotic sounds of jungle birds blend with the quacking of a mallard duck, the crowing of a barn yard rooster, or the honking of a Canada goose. The natural habitant of the zoo also provides some enemies for the birds. Sometimes newly hatched baby chicks or goslings fall of live in full his Asian several there, feather prey to wild owls before Relouw can protect them. One Canada goose is having a love affair with New bank opens soon Toronto Dominion Bank will open its first branch iri Grand Bend on Wednesday, May 16. Located at 24 81 Crescent Street, the branch will provide banking ser­ vices from temporary quarters until construction of permanent premises is completed. The new branch will hold an open house from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 16. Manager Jud Bumstead will welcome all visitors to come into the branch, meet his staff and enjoy light refresh­ ments. At 3:00 p.m. on opening day, Reeve Bob Sharen will officiate at ribbon-cutting ceremonies, assisted by Guido A. Marini, vice- president and general manager of the bank’s Ontario Southwest Division. Jud Bumstead has seven years of banking experience with Toronto Dominion and was previously assistant man­ ager of the bank’s branch at Dundas Street and Clarke Sideroad in London, Ontario. Commenting on his ap­ pointment, Mr. Bumstead said, be Dominion’s first branch in Grand Bend. My ’Staff and I look forward to providing a strong alternative to serve the banking needs of Grand Bend residents.” Other members of the staff will be Harry Norton, ad­ ministration officer; and Colleen Sherk and Pam Mallette who will be tellers. The branch will be open Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to4:30p.m. and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. “I am very pleased to part of Toronto Relouw’s only lioness. The lonely lady lion has a long friendship with the goose who strolls about freely around the lion’s cage. Last year Relouw gave the goose to a friend who has a camp ground about a mile and a half down the road. A few days later the goose was at the front gates of the zoo, honking to be let in. He went immediately to the lion’s cage, honking happily at his friend. The goose made the IV2 mile trip along highway 21 on his webbed feet, because his wings had been clipped to prevent him from flying away. Now, the lioness blinks sleepily at the goose who hisses at visitors. Relouw speaks to the big cat, “Hey Sheba”, and she looks at him. White feathers litter her cage and she licks her lips — evidence that she has ' just finished a turkey break­ fast. The list of exotic animals continues — quilled por­ cupines, black wild boars, friendly llamas, yaks and even a black bear named Gentle Ben. Relouw has had his share of problems as a zookeeper. The severe wind storm this spring downed many trees in the heavily wooded zoo, which in turn ruined many fences and cages. Clean-up is a long haul, especially on top of regular spring clean-up. The costof feeding the flock is going up all the time, yet Relouw’s reluctant to con­ tinuously raise admission prices. Yet Ted Relouw grins while he talks about all the work he has to do, and looks forward to another crew of summer visitors. He clicks his tongue to call one of his favorite animals, and heads towards his house. His little friend follows him. What is it? An ordinary terrier house dog, named Smokey. By MARY BLEWETT ■:?A YOUNG SOFTIE...Matt Relouw holds unto a baby angora goat while his younger brother Gary pets it. T-A photo Welcome to Bluewater Country — not just Ontario’s favorite holiday spot on the shores of Lake Huron, but this newspaper, too! Bluewater Country will be a special part of The Exeter Times-Advocate each week for the rest of the summer. In it, there will be feature stories and photographs of what there is to see and do in Grand Bend and along the shoreline from Port Franks to Bayfield. We’ll keep you posted on the sights and sounds of Grand Bend, from Huron Country Playhouse to night­ time entertainment. We’ll tell you about the organizations and in­ dividuals behind the scenes at Grand Bend, and what’s happening in municipal government. * * * Did you know that about 200 deer make their home in the Pinery Provincial Park? Park Naturalist Terry Crabe says that figure is an “ educated guess”. The deer are especially difficult to keep track of this time of year because they tend to move out of the park. Crabe says that as the tourists move into the park, the deer move out — partly because they’re shy and anti-social, and partly because food is easier to find in a farmer’s field. Unfortunately the deer tend to move toward Highway 21. There have already been two deer killed on the highway this year, and Crabe says that last year close to 20 died on the highway. There certainly seems to be an abundance of deer who like to graze on the edge of the road between the park gates and the Ausable River Cut bridge. Since I’m living with my parents north of the park gates and making fre­ quent trips to my fiances house south of the park, I’ve had many close calls. On almost any night after 10:30 you can see at least four or five deer strolling along the road side. Unfortunately a driver never knows when these beautiful creatures might jump out in front of a car. Usually when a car ap­ proaches, the deer will raise their heads and look at it. I think God knew about the coming of the automobile when He created the deer, because their eyes are better reflectors then anything man has invented. As soon as I see a pair of bright eyes, I beep my car’s horn a few times and send "Bambi” back into the woods. Residents in the area know that the deer like the grassy roadsides, and take extra caution driving along that stretch of highway. But I think they must often take visitors by surprise. There is only one small sign which says deer crossing area, and you usually see it after you’ve seen the deer. Crabe agrees that it would be nice to put up large signs in the spring when the deer do their moving about, but erecting a sign on a provin­ cial highway is not an easy process, he says. However, If saving the life of these animals or preventing what could be a serious car acci­ dent are the stakes, then lets hope they can cut through the red tape and give drivers more warning. NO MONKEYING AROUND — A rhesus monkey peers cautiously at the camera from the security of her cage. T-A photo