Coronation Street star jets in for Bear Appeal Fun Day

Oct 13 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

CORONATION Street star Kate Ford will be flying in to kick off a weekend of intense fun and fund raising for the half term holiday as part of the Five Sisters Zoo Bear Appeal.

The West Lothian zoo are raising money to rescue and rehome three mistreated former circus bears from Belgium to a purpose built enclosure.

Animal lover Kate will be visiting the zoo this Saturday (October 15) at 12.30pm and is the latest celebrity to join the campaign, which aims to raise £80,000 to fund the project.

The programme of events is being held on Saturday (when Kate will visit) and Sunday.

Big Brother stars Josie Gibson and Chantelle Houghton are supporting the project, as well as Sky Sports presenter, Kirsty Gallacher.

So far, generous donations have hit over £25,000 and all proceeds from the weekend will add to the cause.

With work well underway to build the enclosure at the zoo, it is hoped that Suzy, Carmen and Peggy, who are currently homeless in a holding centre in Belgium, will be moved in by Christmas.

Actress Kate, who plays Tracy Barlow in the top soap, is an active campaigner of the Anti Fur Trade In China, and she said: “I was really distressed to hear about the bears being homeless and so touched that Five Sisters Zoo are willing to give them a safe home for life. Please come along and support the campaign by having lots of fun.”

Five Sisters owner Brian Curran said: “We are thrilled Kate Ford is backing our campaign. It is vital we raise money fast so the bears can move into their new home.”

Meanwhile one of the owners of the Five Sisters Zoo has flown out to visit the three bears.

Shirley Curran said the visit to a Belgium holding centre left her more determined than ever to raise the £80,000 needed to fly them to freedom into a new home.

Shirley broke down in tears when she travelled to the temporary accommodation where Peggy, Carmen and Suzy are being held.

She said: “It is just so distressing. They are lovely bears with great personalities — I spent hours watching them and they deserve and desperately need a proper purpose built home. It was heart breaking to see them. They need a proper home.

“They are currently held in cramped conditions. Peggy is living in a prison cell with concrete floors and bars at the front.

“Carmen and Suzy are in their own holding pen. But Suzy is pacing again going round and round in circles in a 10 feet by 10 feet area — the same size as the trailer she spent years in. It is so distressing to see.

“The Belgians are doing a great job, but it is just a rescue centre. They are doing their best but the three bears all need to be rehomed as soon as possible.

“The quicker we get them over the better. I hope everyone seeing the photos will give money and help us bring them back to West Lothian as soon as possible.”

The fundraiser weekend will include activities such as raffles, face painting, donkey rides and much more.

For tickets call 01506 871 111 or visit www.fivesisterszoo.com

All proceeds will be donated to the fund to rescue the bears.