User:MegaRoc/Al Oeming's Alberta Game Park

History

Al Oeming founded and operated a 1,400 acre wildlife exotic animal zoo in Alberta, Canada. He bought property after selling his wrestling promotions company to find a location in the Ministik area 14 miles east of Edmonton on Highway 14 and Range Road 223. It operated from August 1, 1959 to 1980 branded as Al Oeming's Alberta Game Park located 31 kilometres from the city of Edmonton, Alberta that also had it's own zoo established since 1959 named Valley Zoo under the care of the city. The Albert Game Park mainly displayed hoofed mammals, carnivores and birds. There were no reptiles or amphibians held at this preservation during it's entire operation.

During the early years Oeming did live trapping without the use of tranquilizer collecting rare and endangered species for this preservation park. CBC's Man of North documented the capture of wildlife in a series of thirteen television episodes aired in 1980. Where shortly after was re-branded as Polar Park until it's permanent closing in 1998 due to pressure of animal rights groups in the area.

Oeming's desire for an exotic animal zoo started with his pet cheetah named Tawana additionally adding more cheetah's on the preservation. He travelled for fundraising, to further adventure his preservation plans educating children in schools across Canada. The Alberta Game Park became successful for wildlife preservation and breeding programs without government assistance despite the pressure from animal rights criticisms. Dr. Oeming eventually sold all his animals except for a few horses and chickens continuing to live there until his death 2014. The park held a large amount of exotic species that became the largest of it's kind in North America, containing over 3,000 animals of 166 different species by the time it closed.

Visiting Al Oeming's Alberta Game Farm

A touring bus occurred twice daily in the summer months with the first run at 10:00 A.M. and the second at 4:00 P.M. from the Macdonald Hotel, otherwise visitor's could drive to the location instead of using the touring bus. When travelling by vehicle Alberta Game Farm allotted 20 acres of no charge parking space. Sundays and holidays usually the busiest parking was directed by trained personnel.

For purchasing tickets on the east side of the main parking lot towards the exhibit area. Visitors had been informed by the ticket attendants to drive along the exhibit trail for the benefit of the elderly and handicapped individuals. All throughout the park the main trails were wide with more available parking at each exhibit area for optional driving during weekdays.

Al Oeming's Alberta Game Park also allotted 35 acre picnic area for visitors located at the north end from the main parking lot. To the west side of Lost Lake the picnic area named as "Deer Forest". Where visitors can enjoy lunch observing peafowl, pheasants, guinea hens, waterfowl and deer. The area consisted of forested view with Lost Lake providing a breeze for warm summer days. Rest rooms facilities were located in Deer Forest and along main trails beyond the farm's Swan Hills grizzly exhibit.

Souvenir's had been sold over the years as another feature while visiting Al Oeming's Alberta Game Park. If you were looking for the souvenir shop it could be found near the flamingo pond. Also available for the visitors adjacent to the souvenir shop known as the Camera Shop. The Camera Shop specialized with all kinds of film such as postcards, projector slides and portraits were available if a visitor would like a photograph taken with an animal expert wildlife photographer.

Preservation Education and Research

Al Oeming educated many visitors since his 1947 search to find suitable land for large breeding farm to establish a reintroduction program. The Alberta Game Farm never received or operated with any government assistance for grants or endorsements. While Oeming provided a public recreation and education it's funding had been raised with gate admissions, animal sales, concessions and film tours.

What differs in this preservation than from other zoos, that it was stressed in the name of the park. It was insisted never intended to be a zoo but a farming and breeding under close simulated natural conditions. The Game Farm aimed for it's reintroduction program to help keep animals that are considered rare and endangered. Theses efforts were to help with reintroduction affected by natural habitat and excessive persecution by mankind, to ensure that each display of animals health and well-being are top priority.

For the exhibits professional short descriptive signage of the breeds along with the Latin and international name for it's visitors. During the summer months well informed guides would also educate the visitors throughout the park exhibits. In addition, for a fee visitors were able to access a 64 page guidebook containing photographs and information on mammal and bird species. A rare circulation published by collectors as of 2021 can by found.

Species exhibited on the Farm pre-1965

Mammals (Class Mammalia)

Typically when a visitor thinks of mammals they are referring towards Tigers, Elephants, Bears and Deer. Al Oeming wanted to educate away from this thought process of assumptions with detailed information from well informed personal guides and a 64 page "A Visit to Al Oeming's Alberta Game Farm" guidebook to reiterate what has been exhibited at the farm.

Hoofed Mammals (Ungulata)

During his search for hoofed mammals there are two types the Artiodactyla and Perissodactyla can be distinguished in these mammal species that are also not found in two continents Australia and Antarctica. But can be found in all other continents around the world.

Even Toed Hoofed Mammals (Order Artiodactyla)

       * Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)

Oeming discovered the Reticulated Giraffe could not handle the severe winter Alberta weather. Their diet provided and the Reticulated Giraffe enjoyed consisted with willow and poplar trees in their paddock area.

       * White-Tailed GNU (Connochoetes gnou)

A rare dangerous and belligerent mammal pre-1965 era out of the GNU species that it was able to adapt to all weather conditions of Alberta grazing off the natural grasses for the White-Tailed GNU's diet had been provided.

       * White-Bearded GNU (Gorgon taurinus albojabatus)

The least belligerent White-Bearded GNU was able to adapt to all weather conditions of Alberta grazing off the natural grasses for its diet had been provided.

       * Blackbuck Antelope (Antilope cervicapra)

Oeming didn't expect this native thin-haired from India to adapt year round Alberta weather conditions. Found that the Blackbuck Antelope bred well in captivity enjoying running leaps in wide open grassy paddock area. Although the Blackbuck Antelope with a highly nervous personality it needed the wide open spaces and distance from spectators.

       * Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
       * Addax (Addax nasomaculatus)

The rare pre-1965 captive now critically endangered Addax impressed zoologists for a species native to Sahara desert region. The Addax was able to adapt very well to Alberta weather year round. It was discovered the Addax can handle drastic changes in temperatures without harming the Addax. Zoologists were assisting to breed in captivity before it's reintroduction back into it's natural habitat.

       * Thomson's Gazelle (Gazella thomsonii)

A now near threatened native species from African plains was a common gazelle pre-1965 where the Tomson's Gazelle can handle severe weather conditions.

       * Lechwe or Waterbuck (Onotragus leche leche)

This now near threatened species of Africa was a very rare captive collection able to handle northern climate. Today they can be found in other zoos for their reintroduction program projects.

       * Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocapra americana)

Oeming discovered the Pronghorn Antelope are difficult to maintain in captivity due to diet, parasites and stress. Quickly becoming successful to maintaining a breeding heard on the farms natural range. The diet provided by the Game Farm with a variety of vegetation in abundance.

       * Rocky Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus)

Pre-1965 era this species had few zoological institutions that exhibited the Rocky Mountain Goat. They are least concerned status species today that Oeming had in captivity. Oeming built man-made miniature mountain obstacles to ensure the Rocky Mountain Goats got to climb having plenty of exercise.

       * Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)

At the time of Oeming's captivity the Bighorn Sheep can be seen in the Banff and Jasper areas of Alberta. Today they are common and not considered endangered species in this area of Canada. Although, it was federally U.S. listed as endangered but not until March 19, 1998 of the areas in Palm Springs, CA south to the U.S./Mexico international border.

       * Stone Sheep (Ovis dalli stonei)

Oeming claims to be the first zoological institution to have this species in captivity pre-1965 along with the two others Bighorn and Dall sheep.

       * Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli dalli)

At the time of Oeming's rare captivity only the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago and The Alberta Game farm exhibited the Dall Sheep species.

       * Barbary Sheep (Ammotragus lervia)

It is uncertain if Al Oeming retrieved the Barbary Sheep for captivity from it's native Atlas Mountains of Africa or if it was exchanged or retrieved in the U.S. wild population. The Barbary Sheep is able to adapt well to Alberta weather conditions. While native of Africa it is considered an invasive species in California, New Mexico, Texas U.S. states. However, in it's native habitat is restricted or banned by law for hunters.

       * Moufflon Sheep (Ovis musimon)

Oeming had no issue with raising this species in Alberta weather conditions. Their diet also consisted of natural grasses in their paddock area.

       * Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)

These wild goats needed to be secured in their paddock areas, if they would get into another paddock could be very dangerous towards less agile mammals.

       * Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)

Al Oeming presented the largest herd in captivity for the Muskox. Returning from an expedition in August 1960, Oeming was driving six Muskox calves from the Tundras to Northwest Territories through the Northern Lakes. In order to keep the herd of cows and calves together, in the Northern Lakes he and strong swimmers dived from canoes and pontoons off float planes to grapple with 150 pound calves. Then were flown to the Alberta Game Farm where in two years had great success with his breeding program of 15 or more calves raised in captivity before reintroduction into the wild.

       * Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae) and Prairie Bison (Bison bison bison)

The Wood Bison now only 3000 left in the world located at Wood National Buffalo Park. Oeming had this rare species breeding and claim to be the only zoological institution to have on exhibit pre-1965. Extra care of both these rare species attempting to maintain it's existence to eventually be released back into it's natural habitat. It is uncertain if his contributions helped maintain the Wood Bison's existence that can now be seen at the Wood National Buffalo Park today.

       * European Wisent (Bison bonasus)

This near extinct in Europe at the time of Oeming's captivity these animals were a goal to increase its population fr0m 200 to a much higher presence for the wild. During the 1960's the registry of these animals were maintained by German zoologist Dr. Erna Mohr and assistance with Dr. Heinz Heck of the Catskill Game Farm. Today there are only 1000 free ranging wild at The Białowieża Primeval Forest borders of Poland-Belrus borders.

       * Yak (Bos grunniens)

The Alberta Game Farm initiated a breeding program where annual reports were forwarded to the Canadian Federal Government. There was to help avoid the diminishing Carbiou for meat by the Inuits. The Canadian government was believed to a Yak scheme in 1953 to eliminate traditional ways of the Inuit lifestyle. The Canadian government wanted to introduce Indian Yaks into the far north for the Inuit's. Wild Yaks are rare in the wild considering all the Yaks in captivity are domesticated. Al Oeming was sent two males and four females by the where he raised a heard of 40 in 1960 at the farm.

       * Barren Ground Caribou (Rangifer arcticus arcticus), Woodland Caribou (Rangifer caribou sylvestris)and Osborn Caribou (Rangifer acticus osborni)

All three of these Caribou species adapt very well in Alberta weather conditions. The diet feed on the farm consisted grains, grasses alfalfa hay that help a healthy breeding of young calves while in captivity. Oeming's inital breeding stock came from newly born calves, semi-mature or adults from the wild. In order for Al Oeming to capture these Caribou species he used a tranquilizing gun with the chemical Cap-Chur and placing nylon nets with assistance from planes. While the safest and most effective way for capture these expeditions were difficult and costly.

       * Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus sibiricus)

The Game Farm specialized in unusual colours and patterns for the native Scandinavia species.

       * Moose (Alces americana)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

       * American Elk or Wapiti (Cervus canadensis)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

       * Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

These two species are native to Alberta province, the Mule Deer is found more in the western foothills and mountain valleys. The White-Tailed Deer were more common northward of the province. Both these species in captivity had free range of 1000 acres of the Alberta Game Farm.

       * Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

These species to Europe but have a massive presence today on Sidney Island, British Columbia that were introduced in early 1900's by past settlers. They have become evasive to the island where the Canadian Government and local First Nations have a plan to eradicate the Fallow Deer.

       * European Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) and European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus capreolus)

While these were exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm today they are endangered by the Sika Deer existing in Central Europe.native

       * Pere David's Deer (Elaphurus davidianus)

At the time of Oeming's captive Pere David's Deer only 300 remained alive in the world. Less than 2,000 remain as of the year 2021 in zoological institutions. Once extinct from the wild China’s Forestry Administration released 16 deer in 2016. A reintroduction into the wild at Beijing Milu Park and Dafeng Milu Natural Reserve between 1985 to 1986. With an estimate of 671 Pere David's deer present in the wild as of 1997.

       * Chinese Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis)

A highly ski-dish species can handle extreme cold Alberta temperatures. The Game Farm provided it's habitat with tall grass and plenty of space for exercise.

       * Muntjac Deer ( Muntiacus muntjak aureus)

The Muntjac had to be protected from the harsh weather in Alberta for they are not able to adapt to colder climate. Many young were produced while in captivity.

       * Japanese Sika Deer (Cervus nippon nippon)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

       * Formosan Sika Deer (Cervus nippon taiouanus)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

       * Peking Sika or Dybowski's Deer (Cervus nippon hortulorum)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

       * Axis Deer (Axis axis)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

Camels

The Arabian and Bactrian handled the colder climates of Alberta well below zero celsius or 32 fahrenheit. Some of the Arabian camels were born in the winter of Alberta colder weather conditions. Al Oeming had plan's pre-1965 to complete the addition of the Vicunia Camel exhibit.

       * Arabian Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
       * Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus)
       * Llama (Lama glama glama)
       * Alpaca (Lama glama pacus)
       * Guanaco (Lama glama huanacus)
       * Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)

Odd Toed Hoofed Mammals (Order Perissodactyla)

      * White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simus simus)

Al Oeming's 1964 expedition to the Umfolozi White Rhino Preserve in Natal, South Africa helped with Game and Parks authorities to capture a pair of rare White Rhinoceros. Loaded his capture on the Norwegian ship S.S. on the Durban port and unloaded at the port of Montreal. From there he trucked the White Rhinoceros couple to the Alberta Game Farm. Where today only 20,000 White Rhinoceros left in the world as opposed to 5,000 Black Rhinoceros on the critically endangered list.

The capture of the White Rhinoceros is an intense undertaking with special care. The use of the Cap Chur tranquilizer takes roughly 15 minutes to wear off making it difficult to crate the animal. Due to the large size and weight of the animal special crates designed for them to live in for 60 days. During the 60 days they are fed, watered and waste cleaned out because they are not use to handling of humans.

At the Alberta Game Farm a specially built 5 acre paddock large cement walled area put in place for security of these huge animals. The habitat ample supplies of grass and mud to provide the welfare and comfort for the new couple. While during Al Oeming's capture of the White Rhinoceros, they were confident for a success of their breeding program for reintroduction into the wild.

      * South American Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)

Although was not exhibited pre-1965 it was in the Game Farm's plan for the addition.

      * Grants Zebra (Equus burchelli boehmi, Damara Zebra (Equus burchelli antiquorum, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae), Chapman's Zebra (Equus quagga chapmani)and Grévy's zebra (Dolichohippus grevyi)

These five different Zebra species were exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm. Each of the different species adapted and handled the weather conditions with no issues. The Farm managed a successful breeding of each species raising of the young.

      * Onager or Persian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus onager)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * Przewalski Horse (Equus przewalskii)

The Prezewalski Horse was exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm where today they are the only wild horses at reintroduction sites in Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan managed by Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

      * Sicilian Donkey (Equus asinus)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * Poitou Donkey (Equus asinus)

When the Alberta Game Farm exhibited the Poitou Donkey there were less than 44 in the world by selective breeders. Today there is a population of around 180 within the selective breeders that still remains on the endangered species list.

      * Mammoth Jack (Equus asinus)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

Carnivore mammals (Order Carnivora)

Cats (Family Felidae)

      * Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris longipilis)

The Siberian Tiger had no issues with Alberta's weather conditions today China and Russia signed an agreement to help protect the endangered 500 species remaining left in the wild.

      * Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

Alberta Game Farm had produced two kittens from their pair of adults in May of 1964. The kittens were raised without any outside assistance later transfer to Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A. Zoo. This species adapted to the Alberta and Nebraska weather conditions with no issues.

      * North China or Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * Lion (Panthera leo)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * Cougar (Profelis concolor)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * Golden Cat (Profelis temmincki)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * European Wildcat (Felis sylvestris)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * Pallas or Manul Cat (Felis manul)

Pallas Cat were extremely rare in captivity and it was exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm. Still to this day there are little research studies of this species with international experts of an established network since 2012 Pallas’s Cat Working Group (PCWG). Four years later collaborated with Pallas’s cat International Conservation Alliance (PICA) becoming the first range-wide Conservation Strategy published in 2019 in this collaboration of both networks.

      * Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * Caracal Cat (Lynx caracal)

Exhibited at the Alberta Game Farm.

      * Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis)

Al Oeming named this male Canada Lynx Tonga, captured as a kitten from the wild and raised at the Alberta Game Farm. Tonga gained national fame through Walt Disney films such as The Incredible Journey (1963) although not credited as Tonga but as a half-wild farm cat or omitted from cast. Tonga appeared in other publications and appeared in photographs.

      * Siberian Lynx (Lynx wrangeli)      
      * Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
     

Dogs (Family Canidae)

      * Wolf (Canis lupus)
      * Coyote (Canis latrans)
      * Arctic White Fox (Alopex lagopus)
      * Kit Fox (Vulpes velox)
      * Corsac Fox (Vulpes corsac)

Bears (Family Urisdae)

      * Swan Hills Grizzly (Ursus horribilis horribilis)
      * Kermode Bear (Euarctos americanus kermodei)
      * Glacier Blue Bear (Euarctos americanus emmonsii)
      * Barren Land Grizzly (Ursus richardsoni)

Weasel Family (Family Mustelidae)

      * Wolverine (Gulo luscus)
      * Fisher (Martes pennanti)
      * Marten (Martes americana)
      * Otter (Lura canadensis)

Gnawing Mammals (Family Rodentia)

      * Prairie Dog (genus Cynomys)
      * Richardson's ground squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii)
      * Columbia ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus)
      * Golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis)
      * Parry's arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii)
      * Pika (Ochotona)
      * Rock Rabbit or Rock hyrax (Procavia capnesis)

Birds (Class Aves)

Gallinaceous Birds (Order Galliformes)

      * Blue Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
      * Black-Shouldered (Pavo cristatus)
      * White-Shouldered (Pavo cristatus)
      * Blue Eared-Pheasant (Crossoptilon auritum)
      * Pinnated Grouse or Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

Birds of Prey (Order Falconiformes)

      * Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
      * Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Cranes (Order Gruiformes)

      * Young Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis canadensis)
      * Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone)
      * Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo)

Storks (Order Ciconiiformes)

      * European Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
      * Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer)
      * Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)
      * Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)

Owls (Order Strigiformes)

      * Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca)
      * Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
      * American Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)

Ducks, Geese and Swans (Order Anseriformes)

      * Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
      * Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewicki)
      * Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)
      * Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus cygnus)
      * Whistling Swan (Cygnus columbianus columbianus)
      * Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
      * Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
      * Red-Breasted Siberian Goose (Branta ruficollis)
      * Blue Goose (Anser coerulescens)
      * Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides)
      * Pink-Footed Goose (Anser fabalis brachyrhynchus)
      * Ashy-Headed Goose (Chloephaga poliocephala)
      * Magellan Goose (Chloephaga picta)       
      * Ross's Goose (Anser rossi)
      * Bar-Headed Goose (Anser indicus)
      * Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
      * Common Mallard (Anas playtryhynchos)
      * Pintail (Anas acuta)
      * Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
      * Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
      * Ringneck Duck (Aythta collaris)
      * Blue-winged teal (Anas discors)
      * Green-winged teal (Anas carolinensis)
      * Coot (Fulica americana)
      * Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia)
      * Black Tern (Chilidonias niger)
      * Lesser Yellowleg (Totanus flavipes)
      * Redwinged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)