Scottish zookeepers came to the rescue of a bear trapped in a Ukrainian zoo that had become a casualty of shelling during the conflict. The bear, named after the village it resided in, Yampil, was an Asiatic black bear with a striking appearance, characterized by its dense black fur. The village of Yampil had been under Russian occupation for five months when Ukrainian soldiers discovered the injured bear.
The bear, concussed from the shelling, was found amidst the rubble and had to be carefully transported out of the warzone on a tarp by the soldiers. Eventually, Yampil the bear found refuge in Belgium, under the care of the wildlife charity Natuurhulpcentrum. Despite the harrowing ordeal, the bear’s journey to safety didn’t end there.
Word of Yampil’s plight reached the compassionate ears of the staff at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian, Scotland, through the efforts of the charity. Determined to help, the Scottish zookeepers embarked on a journey to Belgium, eager to assist the bear in any way possible, although uncertain of the bear’s condition and what they would encounter.
“Bears can often suffer mental health problems after going through a traumatic experience, and so it was really important we understood Yampil and what to expect from him,” said Garry Curran. He is the head of carnivores at Five Sisters.
In his conversation with the Guardian, he described how the team collectively exhaled in relief upon witnessing the bear peacefully munching on a cucumber upon their arrival.
“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,” Curran said when speaking to the Guardian.
Plans were put in motion to transport Yampil, the bear, to Scotland. After embarking on a journey spanning 690 miles over 12 hours, Yampil finally reached his new home last Friday.
Presently, the Five Sisters Zoo is actively engaged in fundraising endeavors aimed at completing the construction of a permanent enclosure tailored to Yampil’s needs. The zoo has managed to gather £60,000 through their persistent efforts, yet their ultimate objective stands at £200,000. This sum will facilitate the development of Yampil’s specialized enclosure, as well as cover his ongoing care and maintenance. Donations from compassionate individuals and contributions of materials from local businesses have already significantly contributed to this cause.
The dedicated staff at the zoo express their heartfelt gratitude for the generous donations received thus far. These contributions, both financial and material, have been instrumental in advancing construction of Yampil’s enclosure and ensuring his well-being. Anyone who feels compelled to support this cause is warmly invited to contribute and make a difference in Yampil’s life.
“We have rescued bears before and have some terrific facilities,” said owner of Five Sisters, Brian Curran. “However, Yampil is the first rescued Asiatic black bear we will care for, and he requires a whole new enclosure to match his special needs.”
Curran explained that should Yampil find his temporary surroundings comfortable and good enough to call home, he might opt to hibernate, thereby enabling the construction to proceed calmly and steadily.
What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!
True Activist / Report a typo
