MONTAGUE — Government shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth, especially when it’s a buffalo, says a man trying to save a P.E.I. wildlife park.
Jonathan Tsamantanis lives a few kilometres down the road from Buffalo Land provincial park that government — citing costs — is putting up for sale. However, P.E.I. was more than happy to “give me a home, where the buffalo roam” when the province of Alberta donated the original animals in 1970.
“Where else can you see a buffalo,’’ said Tsamantanis while greeting supporters Saturday afternoon and gathering names on a petition to fight the closure.
“My concern is that government has wasted so much money already, the minute savings from closing this park is futile,”
For the past 42 years, the 100-acre site at Milltown Cross, a few kilometres south of Montague, has been home to about 30 animals and considered a local attraction by many. And the buffalo, who usually seek the shelter of the woods, seemed to enjoy the attention Saturday as they grazed in the open pasture lands and obliged photographers by coming close to the fence.
Tourism Minister Robert Henderson says the free park costs about $15,000 to $45,000 a year to operate and the province wants to be rid of it. Locals say the higher figure simply reflects the costs of installing new fencing a few years ago.
“It really only costs about $15,000 to maintain,” said the local man, “And where is it written that a park is supposed to generate revenue.”
Robin Johnson of Abney and Peggy MacKinnon of Glen Martin dropped by to sign the petition and view the herd that included newborns.
“Visitors always want to come and see the buffalo,’’ said MacKinnon. “I want to see it stay open.”
The province is seeking expressions of interest to turn the crossroads site over to private interests.
“I just love seeing them every day I drive by here,’’ said Johnson. “It’s a wonderful place.” Tsamantanis calls it an oasis of tranquility and relaxation.
“I come here when I get stressed out and just sit amongst the buffalo,’’ he said referring to the trail that leads a viewing platform in the centre of the pasture land.
Save the Buffalo park supporters gathered 172 signatures during the weekend four-hour vigil.