'Sorry that freedom of religion offended': Quebec zoo fends off criticism for allowing Muslim prayers

ParcSafari is defending itself and a group of Muslims after a video posted on social media criticized them for holding prayers on the grounds of the zoo inHemmingford, Quebec.

TheFacebook video posted Sunday shows thegroup observing one of five daily calls to prayerat the zoo about 60 kilometres south of Montreal.

The video's caption, translated fromFrench, says, "I find it inappropriate that at Parc Safari on a Sunday afternoon we hear prayers on the speakers. Can you just do this in your living room and not impose it on me please!"

Two women speaking in French on the video are heard saying that Quebecers are too conciliatory and that people should not be praying in public.

By Wednesday, the video had been shared on social media more than 1,400 times and had more than 100,000 views.

'Sorry that freedom of religion offended'

VroniqueRanger, a ParcSafarispokesperson, said the Muslim association membersfollowed all the park's rules, including bringing their own speakers and not using the park'ssound system.

Ranger said zoo visitors were offended even though the group didn'tsolicitother visitors, wasn't disrupting other guests or animals, and didn't block any paths.

"ParcSafari is sorry that freedom of religion has offended some people," Ranger said.

In an interview with CBC Montreal on Wednesday morning, zooownerJean-Pierre Rangersaid the video takes what really happened"totally out of context," andcalled the whole situation "ridiculous."

"Somebody takes a video of an incident that lasted a few seconds," he said, adding that other faith groups have used the park over the years without sparking outrage.

"Quebec is a peaceful land built by immigrants for hundreds of years. Tolerance is what we have come to accept."

Jean-Pierre Ranger said he hasbeen operating the zoo for 45 years and the criticismwon't change how he runs his business.

"I'm very proud of what ParcSafari stands for and nobody is going to tell us how to behave, whether they're Muslim or any other faith, or those do-goodersthat think they can run the world."

The criticism thatthe zoo has faced pales compared to the support he hasbeen receiving in response to the video, Ranger said.

"It indicates that people can think on their own as to the real consequences and meaning of certain situations andaren't dupedby what it is people are trying to make a fuss of."

1,000 comments, and counting

Those divergent opinions are on full display on ParcSafari's Facebookpage, where the zoo publisheda lengthy post explaining what happened and challengingits critics.

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The post has attracted morethan 1,000 comments.

"Prayer sites are one thing and attractions are another," posted Luc Richard.

Another post called for a boycott of the zoo.

"I hope you go bankrupt pure and simple," wrote Patrice Lafond.

Othersapplauded the zoo's stand.

"Please be certain, Parc Safari, that I will be returning to visit as soon as I can make it back there and your non-discrimination against this Muslim group has only strengthened my resolve. Well done," wrote Steve Craig.

"I am moved beyond wordsthat an organization such as yours is standing up for what is right, in light of the recent [I]slamophobia that has infected our society. Congratulations ParcSafari!" wroteKia Nicolaou.

Parc Safari said in a news release that despite the backlash, the park remains committed to being an inclusive space where everyone is welcome regardless ofreligion, nationality, skin colour, culture or sexual orientation.