The
Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge represents the second phase of a
rehabilitation project spearheaded by the Grouse Mountain Refuge for
Endangered Wildlife in 2001.

The 22-acre habitat at Kicking Horse will provide the infrastructure
necessary for wildlife professionals to extend the scientific,
environmental and conservation goals of the rehabilitation project.
"We've demonstrated at the Grouse Refuge it's possible to offer orphaned
bears a second chance at life by providing a safe, humane natural
environment overseen by wildlife professionals and leading-edge
technology," said Dr. Ken Macquisten, veterinarian and Director of the
Refuge.

"This accomplishment led us to the point where we could consider the
second phase of the project, namely the establishment of grizzlies at
another location that has the land base necessary for bear
rehabilitation. We were spared a time-consuming search for expanded
grizzly bear habitat when Kicking Horse Mountain generously stepped in
offering land and operational support for orphaned bears," he said.

"There currently isn't a protocol for the rehabilitation of orphaned
bears in BC. The only alternative to captivity has been destruction,"
said Gord Vizzutti of Kicking Horse Mountain. "We're honored to support
the work of researchers and wildlife professionals in developing a
protocol for the rehabilitation and possible release back to the wild of
future orphaned grizzly cubs," he said.

Orphaned grizzly bear cubs, Cari and Boo, are expected to be relocated
to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge July 8th, 2003 to champion the
next phase of the rehabilitation project. They have resided in a
2.5-acre habitat at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife
since June 2002 when their mother was illegally shot and killed.

Grizzly bears are currently considered a blue-listed endangered species
list in British Columbia due to habitat loss.

Established in June 2003, the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge is a
conservation, education and research centre, committed to becoming a
world leader in the preservation of grizzly bears. The Refuge is
located 2.5 hours west of Calgary on the Trans Canada Highway at Golden,
British Columbia. For more information, visit
www.kickinghorseresort.com.