Bear from Yampil, rescued by Ukrainian Armed Forces, settled in Scotland

The Asian black bear that barely survived the Russian occupation of Yampil, Donetsk Oblast, was successfully moved to a zoo in Scotland. The new home of the bear named Yampil is the Five Sisters Zoo. Source: The Telegraph

Details: The Ukrainian military saved the bear in the village of Yampil, Donetsk Oblast, in October 2022. Almost all 200 animals from an abandoned private zoo died from starvation or attacks.

Employees of the Five Sisters Zoo found out about the bear from the Belgian charity organisation for the Protection of Animals, which took care of Yampil while rescuing him and searching for a permanent home. "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," said Brian Curran, owner of Five Sisters Zoo.

Curran added that 12-year-old Yampil received a concussion when a Russian shell exploded near his cage. "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 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," adds Curran. The zoo plans to raise GBP200,000 for a new aviary and the maintenance of Yampil. Now, local businesses and individual benefactors have donated GBP60,000.

Now, the bear has been placed in a temporary aviary, where it will be treated until it goes into hibernation.

Background:

• At first, Yampol was rehabilitated at Lutsk Zoo.
• Previously, UAnimals reported what animals were saved thanks to the Ukrainian military.

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