The Rural Voice, 1992-03, Page 31der. The fountains have to be taken down
in the fall and various animals have spec-
ial needs according to the season. 'The
ducks can stay out for the winter, but
small animals such as the lemurs need to
be housed," says Harry. "The ostrich can
come out of its shelter in nicer weather.
They do better if they can come and go."
Harry derives satisfaction from seeing
children and their parents stop at the road-
side to look at his park. He believes he is
providing a service for the area, giving lo-
cal residents the opportunity to view exo-
tic animals without having to travel to
larger centres. As a rule, Harry and his
wife Gerda do not give permission to en-
ter the park proper since most of it can be
seen from the road, but scheduled tours
are allowed. The animals, although cap-
tive, are still wild: a full-grown ostrich
can be dangerous and swans, in spring-
time, may strike at people. For public
safety, the Burgsmas feel that it is best to
keep a fence between the animals and
their viewers.
The public has been very good to him,
Harry says, adding that there has never
been any vandalism in his park.
Since he bought the 100 -acre farm in
1958, Harry has done well, buying more
land over the years, and raising broilers
and hogs. The poultry business has pro-
vided the support for the animal park.
With the free trade agreement and GATT
talks not resolved, the farmer's future is
uncertain, he says.
"Agriculture is an important part of
this country's well-being; how well a
farmer does depends on Canada being
willing to subsidize farming. A lot of
people who work hard have to declare
bankruptcy. It's a shame," he says. "Peo-
ple will pay more for everything else, but
want the same price for food. It is a lop-
sided story."
While the future of farming may be
uncertain, Harry has so far been success-
ful. Because he had the privilege of being
a first -generation immigrant, he has pros-
pered and for that reason is giving some-
thing back by his efforts toward the park.
"It is a non-profit venture," he says. "We
carry the cost ourselves without outside
help."
The Burgsmas have five sons, four
married and one still at home; Harry is in
the process of cutting back and selling
some land, as a couple of his sons are
taking over.
Proud of his home, barns and park,
Harry spends most of his time working to
improve it. "I am always behind," he
says. "I have trouble finding the time to
keep it as I would like."0
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