Animals Just Love Mr. Guzoo Click On Clip Art Above
Lynn Gustafson
Lynn and Kesa
Naturally, when bringing to mind the people of the Guzoo, one must first and foremost speak of Mr. Gustafson, affectionately known as "Mr. Guzoo". Lynn Gustafson is Guzoo. He dreamed it, he built it and he operates it. He is the personality behind it all. That is Personality with a capital "P".
Lynn himself is the number one reason to fall in love with the zoo. Sure, the animals are fun to be around but spending time with Lynn is great fun too. He has a magnetic personality, and a way of making strangers feel like old time friends. However, If you can't take a joke, you probably won't get along with Lynn. When we first met, I had never really learned humor, at least not Lynn's type of humor. His whole family oozes with humor. To put it plainly, they simply are healthy people to be around. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Lynn has an amazing way with his animals. When he calls to them, even the sheep and cows, they all come. His dogs (all 23 of them) follow him everywhere. His attitude about life, his work ethics, his generosity and his kindness are just some of his positive attributes.
Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting Lynn Gustafson has been truly blessed.
Hershy the Mini Donkey
Chris Gustafson 1940 - 2005
Chris Gustafson
Chris Gustafson had the enormous task of feeding and seeing to the needs of, not only her immediate family, but also the needs of the many friends, neighbors and volunteers whom Lynn welcomes into his house at all hours of the day. On any given day, Chris welcomed into her kitchen, entertained, and often fed up to a dozen people.
Chris Gustafson passed away the end of February, 2005. She will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Thank you Chris, for all you gave. You touched the lives of many.
Bill Gustafson
Bill and Bruno Junior (bear cub)
The credit for the day-to-day care and feeding of most of the animals at the Guzoo goes to Lynn and Chris?s eldest son, Bill. He has lived and devotedly worked on his parent?s farm all of his years. Day in and day out, he feeds and cares for the ever growing collection of animals. His duties include, but are not limited to, cleaning cages, providing habitat enrichment, feeding, watering and caring for the needs of all the animals. He assists the zoo?s veterinarian during her visits and administers medication when necessary. Minor habitat repairs, ground maintenance and any feed pick-ups also fall on Bill?s shoulders. Despite his heavy work load, he always takes time to chat with visitors and share his knowledge and love of the animals.
If you are ever visiting the zoo and notice that your children seem to have strayed, don?t panic. You will likely find them hanging out with Bill. Bill loves children and kids can?t help but find themselves drawn to him. It is not uncommon to see him driving his quad slowly around the zoo with six children riding behind him in the trailer. His patience with children is surpassed by none.
Bill, by the way, shares his father?s witty sense of humor. So beware!
Irene Gustafson
Having started out as a volunteer for the GuZoo back in the year 2000, she later married Bill in 2005 and the two of them reside at the GuZoo house to continue zoo duties. Irene is responsible for the new flower gardens throughout the zoo which add color and appeal. She generally keeps the grass cut, the trees watered and the grounds looking great.
She also has taken under her wing the dog and cat rescue and adoptions. Irene takes an extra special pride in working with and conserving GuZoo?s collection of New Guinea Singing Dogs. Having recently acquired dogs of new blood lines to better complement their breeding program of these rare and usual dogs.
Irene and Bill introduced their first child, Joseph, into the GuZoo menagerie on August, 2006 and in October of 2007 Anna arrived. These children are GuZoo?s assurance of a future. Irene and Bill hope to raise their children up to love and care for animals as much as they do so they will aspire to continue GuZoo?s operation for another generation.
Irene and Sir Willy (10 month old male lion)
Joseph exploring his zoo
Anna Gustafson
Meet other family and friends of Guzoo. Click on a photo below.
