Bear that survived war in Ukraine has arrived safely at his forever home

Five Sisters Zoo shares heartwarming photos and continues its fundraising appeal as Yampil becomes the first Ukrainian animal rehomed in the UK.

Article Source: Five Sisters Zoo
Last Updated: 12 January 2024 10:22

Five Sisters Zoo – a beloved animal conservation organisation in West Lothian – today confirmed the success of its mission to rescue and rehome Yampil – an Asiatic Black Bear that survived the war and was saved from an abandoned zoo in Ukraine.

When Ukrainian soldiers entered the village of Yampil, Ukraine, after five months of Russian occupation, they discovered an abandoned zoo on the outskirts. Out of nearly 200 animals at the zoo Yampil the bear was one of the few animals to survive the invasion. According to the United Nations, over 13 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of Russia's all-out war, including 7 million refugees and 6.5 million internally displaced. Countless animals were left behind, forced to fight for survival amid Russian attacks and cold weather.

Staff at Five Sisters Zoo – renowned for its rescue work and care for endangered animals – first heard about the bear from the Belgian charity, Natuurhulpcentrum, which cared for Yampil in the time between his rescue and looking for his permanent home.

Brian Curran, owner of Five Sisters Zoo, said: “We are so pleased to say that Yampil has arrived here safe and well, and is settling in perfectly in his forever home here with us. When we were made aware of the awful treatment and conditions Yampil was subjected to, our hearts broke; we were just so amazed he was still alive and well. When the volunteers found Yampil, a shell had not long exploded near his cage, and he was concussed. He was in terrible condition; five more days and they wouldn’t have been able to save him. Bears, just like people, can suffer mental health issues similar to post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) after they’ve been through something really traumatic. That’s why we have the best team on hand to care for him and help make this transition as peaceful and calm for him as possible.”

After travelling a total distance of 690 miles, and for over twelve hours, Yampil finally arrived at his new home, the West Calder-based zoo, in the early hours of Friday 12th January. Yampil was safely transported to his temporary enclosure where he’ll hopefully fall into a peaceful hibernation.

While Yampil settles and rests, the team at Five Sisters Zoo are working round the clock to finish building Yampil’s permanent enclosure, where he’ll see-out the rest of his life. The zoo has been actively engaged in various fundraising initiatives to bridge the gap and facilitate the bear’s safe transition. Currently, the fundraising progress stands at approximately £60,000 of the targeted £200,000 needed for Yampil’s new home, enclosure, care, and upkeep. This is a makeup of both individual donations, and donations of materials from local businesses to help build Yampil’s permanent home and enclosure at Five Sisters Zoo.

Brian Curran, owner of Five Sisters Zoo, added: “We have rescued bears before and have some terrific facilities. 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. That’s why Yampil is now settling into a temporary enclosure where he will continue his recovery, or go into hibernation; this will give us time to continue to fundraise for his permanent enclosure and work on building this with the support of our community.

“We are well aware of the cost-of-living crisis and of people’s difficult financial situations, but should anyone be in a position to help, we would really welcome their support and generous donations”.

To join Five Sisters Zoo in this extraordinary endeavour to build Yampil’s forever enclosure in Scotland, please visit the zoo’s website and fundraising appeal here: https://fivesisterszoo.co.uk/yampil-the-bear-rescue-fund.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

GRAHAM brings female focused ConstructHER programme to Edinburgh

Following the success of its flagship female apprenticeship scheme in Glasgow, leading construction company GRAHAM is launching its ConstructHER programme in Edinburgh this autumn.

Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month

Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.

St James Quarter announces year long partnership with Children First

St James Quarter, Edinburgh’s leading retail and lifestyle destination, has today announced a new 12-month charity partnership with Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.

Casting annouced for Inside No 9 Stage Fright

Full casting has been announced for the UK tour of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith’s Inside No.9 Stage/Fright, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in November.

Casting Announced for Top Hat Musical

The Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Irving Berlin’s Top Hat has announced the cast for the 2025 UK tour which opens at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 30th September 2025.

Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland

Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.

September at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Masterclasses to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in September!

Quasquicentennial celebrations for Glenogle Baths

Edinburgh Leisure’s Glenogle Swim Centre marks a major milestone this September, its quasquicentennial anniversary with a celebration event attended by the Lord Provost.

From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!

The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

National Galleries of Scotland reveals original plans for swimming baths under the building

Marking 175 years since Prince Albert laid the foundation stone of the National on 30 August 1850, the National Galleries of Scotland has shared its fascinating original building plans.

Cineworld announces first ever Big Screen Weekend

Cineworld's Big Screen Weekend is here! Turning the last weekend of summer into the UK's biggest celebration of cinema, with all films, all formats – for just £4, including booking fee.

Edinburghs Hogmanay announces 2025 headliner

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced indie-rock outfit Wet Leg as 2025’s Concert in the Gardens headliners.

Two Edinburgh based artists chosen for first residency at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Collection Trust is today announcing an artist residency for the upcoming major exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery.

Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025

The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.

Conifox Adventure Park Ultimate Halloween Festival returns

Conifox Adventure Park has announced the return of Edinburgh’s Ultimate Halloween Festival with the UK’s first-ever Laser Show over a Pumpkin Patch.

One Week To Go: Lammermuir Festival 2025

The Lammermuir Festival opens on Thursday 4th September in the beautiful, historic county of East Lothian, offering wonderful music played by some of the world’s finest musicians!

Myths and Legends come alive under the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and into a world where history and folklore entwine, as The Real Mary King’s Close unveils its brand-new “Myths and Legends Tour”.

Free wedding cake competition launched in Edinburgh

Ben & Jerry's will be selecting a lucky couple tying the knot this September to receive the ultimate Brookies & Cream Sundae tower for their wedding.

COSMO Edinburgh Wins Buffet Restaurant of the Year at the Food Awards Scotland 2025

COSMO Edinburgh has been crowned ‘Buffet Restaurant of the Year’ at the prestigious Food Awards Scotland 2025!

Edinburgh Bar Awards Announces 2025 Longlist with 150 Nominees

The one-month countdown is officially on for one of the biggest nights in Scotland’s hospitality calendar - the Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025, as the longlist of nominees is revealed.

Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage

People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.

Livingston Designer Outlet announces exciting new food hall deli and tasting bar

Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotland’s largest designer outlet, is thrilled to announce that bold new culinary destination, Hamilton & Brown, will be arriving at the centre this autumn.

Morningside community venue raises hundreds of pounds for Edinburgh pet charity

McLarens on the Corner has raised £600 for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, as part of its latest fundraising event.

Edinburgh International Festival sees Fullest Theatres and Concert Halls in more than a Decade

The 2025 Edinburgh International Festival concluded yesterday after an extraordinary three-week celebration of opera, dance, music and theatre in Scotland’s capital.

Edinburgh International Book Festival celebrates success in new home

Edinburgh International Book Festival has wrapped up a landmark year, celebrating a two-week long ‘Repair’ themed programme of events for all ages and interests in it's new home.

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) 2025 draws to a close

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 draws to a close and continues to scale up, building creative in-roads with filmmakers and industry.

Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.

OAPs get on the oars to back Scots bros rowing the Pacific

RESIDENTS living in an Edinburgh care home are throwing their weight behind three Scottish brothers as they close in on a world record-breaking row across the Pacific Ocean.