Zoo’s bear appeal almost reaches half-way target

Oct 20 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

THE Five Sisters Zoo Bear Appeal has nearly reached halfway to its target thanks to a weekend of fun and fundraising.

Kind-hearted Coronation Street star Kate Ford kicked off the party as she visited the West Lothian zoo for a fundraiser last Saturday.

Kate, who plays the soap’s Tracy Barlow, delighted visitors by making an appearance in support of the Polbeth zoo’s nationwide Save the Circus Bears appeal.

Five Sisters Zoo are raising money to rescue and rehome three mistreated former circus bears from Belgium to a purpose built enclosure.

The wildlife attraction put on a spectacular day of events for families including face painting, raffles and live band entertainment, raising a further £5000 for the project.

Kate spent the day visiting the various animal enclosures, viewing the site where the bear enclosure is taking shape and learning more about the bear campaign.

The cost of transporting three former circus bears, Suzy, Carmen and Peggy, from a holding centre in Belgium, and re-homing them in a special enclosure is estimated at £80,000.

After this weekend’s fundraiser, which included something for everyone, the fund has reached £33,000.

Zoo owner Brian Curran said: “We are thrilled that Kate took the time out to visit us and support us in getting the bears to the zoo.

“We can’t thank her enough for coming along and helping us to get that little bit closer to reaching our goal.”

Soap star Kate added: “Five Sisters is doing a spectacular job, I had a wonderful day at the zoo seeing where the bears will be living.

“Please can everyone give as much as they can possibly afford to help these lovely animals. These bears deserve to live in comfort and safety after 20 years of hardship.”

The zoo, a non-profit making animal attraction which ploughs all proceeds back into the animals’ upkeep, has agreed to construct a new purpose built enclosure for the three bears.

The bears, who were born in captivity, spent 20 years working for their owner in a travelling circus, living in horrifically cramped cages measuring just 10 metres square.

The bears are now living in a temporary holding cage on a voluntary basis as volunteers desperately hunt for a new permanent home for them.

With the help of the public, the aim is to have Suzy, Carmen and Peggy in their new enclosure at Five Sisters Zoo by Christmas.

To help the appeal send cheques made payable to Circus Bear Rescue Fund to: Five Sisters Zoo, Gavieside, West Calder, West Lothian EH55 8PT.

Bank account details: Royal Bank of Scotland, sort code: 832803 account no: 00266061.

Paypal: via the zoo’s website www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk — users simply log on to their Paypal account and click donate, or e-mail donations@fivesisterszoo.co.uk which links to the Zoo’s bank account.