In the midst of conflict, a bear trapped in a Ukrainian zoo hit by shelling was given a second chance at life, thanks to Scottish zookeepers. Discovered in the war-torn village of Yampil, the Asiatic black bear, named after the village, was concussed and had to be carried to safety by Ukrainian soldiers on a tarp.
After a harrowing journey, Yampil found refuge in Belgium, under the care of the wildlife charity Natuurhulpcentrum. Staff at the Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian, Scotland, learned about Yampil’s plight through the charity and decided to extend a helping hand.
‘Bearing’ Witness to Resilience: Yampil’s Journey to Recovery 🐻💚
Concerned about the bear’s mental well-being post-trauma, the team from Five Sisters Zoo flew down to assess Yampil’s condition. Much to their relief, they found him contentedly enjoying a cucumber, a positive sign of his adaptability and resilience.
Garry Curran, Head of Carnivores at Five Sisters, shared, ‘Although he appeared a little nervous at first, he seems to have adapted surprisingly well and didn’t actually show any concerning stress-related behaviors. He seems to be a calm and gentle individual, which was reassuring for all of us.’
Yampil’s Flight to Freedom: From Ukraine to Scotland 🌍✈️
With arrangements in place, Yampil embarked on a 690-mile, 12-hour journey to his new home in Scotland, arriving at the Five Sisters Zoo last Friday.
Join us in celebrating this heartwarming tale of rescue, rehabilitation, and hope. Together, let’s promote compassion for animals affected by conflict and create awareness for their plight. #YampilRescue #ScottishZooHeroes #AnimalConservation”
Building Yampil’s Future
🌿 Five Sisters Zoo is on a mission to build a permanent home for Yampil, and we need your support! With £60,000 already raised, our goal is £200,000 to complete the specialized enclosure and cover ongoing care.
🌟 Your Contribution Matters: Generous donations from individuals and local businesses have been crucial. Every pound brings Yampil closer to his forever home.
“Brian Curran, owner of Five Sisters, shared, ‘We’ve successfully rescued bears in the past with our top-notch facilities. However, Yampil, being our first rescued Asiatic black bear, needs a specially designed enclosure to meet his unique needs.’
Curran explained that if Yampil adapts well to his temporary surroundings, he might naturally go into hibernation. This would provide a peaceful window for construction to proceed at a measured and considerate pace.”