West Lothian zoo in bear appeal

Nov 24 2011 by Allan Valente, West Lothian Courier

zoo

A NEW calendar which aims to raise funds for the Five Sisters Zoo’s bear appeal is now on sale.

The zoo in Polbeth has been running a campaign to try to rescue bears Suzy, Carmen and Peggy from Belgium after they spent 20 years working in a travelling circus, living in cramped cages measuring just 10 metres square.

Now a limited edition calendar featuring animals from meerkats to reindeer has been produced, with all profits going towards the Save the Circus Bears Appeal.

Just 1000 copies of the calendar have been made. They’re now on sale at the zoo and will also be available from petrol stations and shops in the area.

Five Sisters Zoo owner Brian Curran said: “We are overwhelmed by the level of support to our campaign.

“Every calendar sold is another step forward in bringing Suzy, Carmen and Peggy here.”

The zoo have also organised other fundraisers recently, including a race night at Blackburn Bowling Club and a sponsored walk, organised by Bright Horizons Nursery in Murieston and featuring 22 families who took part in a one-mile jaunt around the park.

The event helped to raise hundreds of pounds for the appeal fund.

So far, the zoo have raised £36,000 towards the £80,000 they need to transport Carmen, Suzy and Peggy, from a holding centre in Belgium to their new specially-built enclosure at the West Lothian park.

With the help of the public, the aim is to have the bears in their new home by Christmas.

Money from the sponsored walk should help the fund towards the half way mark.

l If you want to make a donation, you can do so online at www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk or transfer directly to the Bear Rescue Account using the bank details: Royal Bank of Scotland, sort code: 832803, account number: 00266061.

You can also send a cheque, made payable to, Circus Bear Rescue Fund, to Five Sisters Zoo, Gavieside, West Calder, West Lothian, EH55 8PT.