CARMEN, PEGGY & SUZY have arrived safely at the Zoo! They arrived around 11.30pm on Thursday 29th March, were unloaded, weighed and carefully transferred into each of the 3 indoor den areas. They seem well and have already each been out in to the holding pen and are getting setttled and well fed and watered. They will need time to get to know us and adjust to their new surroundings, but already Suzy, Carmen and Peggy have been spotted by visitors out in their woodland area or in the holding enclosure.
THANK YOU! To everyone who has in any way supported the bear appeal and also to all who have visited the Zoo since their arrival.
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April - September: 10am - 6pm
October - March: 10am - 5pm
Last entry 1 hour before closing time.
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Five Sisters Zoo Gavieside West Calder West Lothian EH55 8PT
"Suzy discovers the waterfall and pond area, a delight to watch her"
"Our happy ending as we watch Peggy enjoy the freedom of the wooded area, probably the first time she has walked down a stream..."
Carmen, Peggy & Suzy arrived at the Zoo around 11.30pm on Thursday 29th March. They were safely unloaded, weighed and moved to each of the three indoor den areas. On Friday morning, the process of introducing them to the inner sanctuary area began, with the press on hand to catch the first glimpse of Peggy as she emerged from the den area for the first time.
The bears need time to recover from their journey, to get to know us and we need to gain their trust.
Both Peggy and Suzy have now been introduced to the beautiful wooded area that will now be their home, Suzy enjoying the freedom of roaming and foraging, again probably for the first time in her life. She has probably not walked more than a few metres in a straight line till now.
For Shirley and Brian and all the staff at the Zoo, the months of hard work and worry about the funding of the enclosure have been rewarded by the sight of these bears settling in, exploring and acting as bears should. Whilst we are still far short of the amount needed, we hope that the increase in visitor numbers will help to pay for the shortfall and that people will continue to support us and help with the on going costs of looking after them.
We estimate that we initially need to raise around £80,000 to fulfill our ambition of re-homing Suzy, Carmen and Peggy, with any monies raised going directing into the following areas :
The transfer of the 3 bears from Belgium to the Zoo;
we need a vet to travel with us to be on hand at all times
The building of the large enclosure and the materials for it
Quarantine fees
Dedicated Zoo keeper initially to help the bears settle in and work closely with them
Bank : Royal Bank of Scotland Sort code : 832803 Account : 00266061
or you can send us a cheque made payable to : Circus Bear Rescue Fund, to the address : Five Sisters Zoo, Gavieside, West Calder, West Lothian, EH55 8PT
The holding pen area takes shape - mesh fence/scratch panels are put in place and the indoor areas for the bears are well underway, walls up, roof on and keeper doors now in situ.
Bear crates are built to transport them, travel arrangements made, final legal paperwork is sorted out with the Belgian Government and final inspection by the Scottish Government is confirmed to pass the enclosure. £22K still to raise
Pump Action donate a fantastic pump for the pond/waterfall.
Groundworks continue in the main wooded site, damaged trees cut down from the storm and confirmation obtained that the enclosure will be the bears quarantine area.
The arrival date is confirmed for the 30th March - still £24,000 to raise.
Work begins on the main perimeter fence and Front Line Construction confirm that they will help by digging out the pond area and laying the foundations in the holding pen.
Shirley visits Belgium to meet the bears for the first time and returns even more determined to bring them to the Zoo as soon as possible. Kate Ford visits the Zoo on one of our open days
Site clearance begins, donations start to come in and we start planning a number of fundraising events including a visit from Josie Gibson.
Tarmac confirm they are willing to help and donate tonnes of hardcore for the paths that are being laid and stones for the waterfall. Buildbase confirm their donation of concrete blocks for the holding pen area.
Daily Record article kick starts our appeal and the fund raising begins (£3000 is already in the fund from donation tins at the Zoo and previous sponsored events).
The target is £80,000 Local shops and businesses agree to take donation tins and put up posters. Companies are contacted to see if they would be willing to donate materials.
Discussions take place with Specialist Wildlife Services about the Zoo providing a permanent home for Carmen, Peggy & Suzy.
A two acre wooded area at the top of the Zoo is identified as being a perfect site for the new enclosure and confirmation is received from Belgium that the bears can be released and moved to Scotland when the enclosure is complete.
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