Zoo backs out of Quebec government's caribou-moving scheme

The Quebec governmentwill not move a dwindling herd of caribou from the site of a proposed mining project near Val-d'Or, after a zoo in Saint-Flicien said Tuesday it will no longer take the animals.

In April,Wildlife MinisterLucBlanchetteannounced the government was taking the "exceptional" measure of movingthe last 15 woodland caribou in the area to a wildlife preserve inSaint-Flicien, almost400 kilometres away.

• Quebec to send threatened woodland caribou to zoo for protection

The plan, however, was widely criticized by environmental groups, who said it was better to protect the herd in its original habitat.

Last week, Quebec's public environmental review agency known by its French acronym,BAPEsuggested that further research is needed before the government presses ahead with the move.

It would be "premature to conclude that it would be impossible to restore the population" in Val-d'Or, the BAPEreport said.

'Social acceptibility' of plan an issue

Blanchettehas repeatedly brushed such criticisms aside, insisting the plan is sound and necessary to preserve the remaining caribou and ensure the herd's survival.

But on Tuesday, theSaint-Flicienzoo said it was no longer willing to take part. In a brief statement, the zoo said it came to the decision after considering "social acceptability issues."

In a statement, Blanchette said he's left with no choice but to go along with the zoo's decision and leave the last of the herd where it is.

• Mining project in caribou habitat fails to get green light from Quebec environment agency

The BAPEconcerns were included in its study of a mining project proposed byAgnicoEagle. The company is seeking permission to open a copper and gold mine just southwest ofVal-d'Or.

But the mineral deposits are also located beneath the roaming grounds of the caribou. The BAPEreport warnedthat if the mining project went ahead, it would damage the animals'habitat.

A spokesperson for AgnicoEagle said the company is currently studying the BAPE's recommendations.

There are only between6,000 and 9,000 woodland caribou remaining in the province.