LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Five Sisters Zoo welcomes New Asiatic Black Bear after heartbreaking loss of Yampil

Five Sisters Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of Baloo, a four-year-old Asiatic black bear, who has recently joined the zoo family after being transferred from Wingham Wildlife Park.

Five Sisters Zoo welcomes New Asiatic Black Bear after heartbreaking loss of Yampil

Article Source: Five Sisters Zoo
Last Updated: 19 August 2024 9:57

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS AS BALOO, A YOUNG ASIATIC BLACK BEAR, FINDS A HOME AT FIVE SISTERS ZOO

Baloo's arrival marks a bittersweet moment for the zoo, as he was intended to join the zoo’s family as a companion of Yampil, the bear who tragically passed away in July after being rescued from war-torn Ukraine.

Yampil’s rescue and journey to Scotland touched hearts around the world. After enduring immense suffering and trauma in an abandoned zoo during the war in Ukraine, Yampil found refuge at Five Sisters Zoo in January 2024. Despite the best efforts of the dedicated veterinary team, Yampil sadly passed away in July due to complications during a medical procedure.

Baloo was always intended to be a companion for Yampil, but after Yampil’s unexpected passing, the zoo decided to continue with its plans to give Baloo a new home. He has quickly settled into a purpose-built habitat for the species, which was made possible through the incredible generosity of the zoo’s supporters and lovers of Yampil’s. This habitat, designed to cater specifically to the needs of Asiatic black bears and built entirely through donations and by local volunteers and businesses, will now provide Baloo with a safe and loving environment where he can thrive.

Brian Curran, owner of Five Sisters Zoo, said: “Losing Yampil was a devastating blow for our team and all those who had supported his rescue. He was a true survivor, and his story will always remain with us and the millions of people it resonated with worldwide. We hope it will continue to inspire others, and we are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to his rescue and the creation of this enclosure.

“Baloo had always been part of our plans to join Yampil as a companion. While that sadly didn’t come to fruition and as we deeply mourn Yampil’s loss, we’re so grateful that his legacy will live on as we give Baloo the loving home he deserves. Baloo’s arrival represents a new chapter for us all, and while it’s not the story we initially envisioned, it’s one we are committed to making just as meaningful. We can’t wait to welcome people to our zoo as they join us in welcoming Baloo to his new home.”


The zoo team is excited to see Baloo exploring his new surroundings and gradually finding his place in his new home. Asiatic black bears, also known as moon bears, are known for their intelligence and distinctive white chest markings. Baloo has already begun to exhibit his curious and playful nature, much to the delight of the zoo staff.

Visitors to Five Sisters Zoo can now meet Baloo and learn more about Asiatic black bears and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this species. The zoo encourages those who wish to support Baloo and other rescued animals to visit the zoo or donate towards their care.

For more information on Baloo’s journey and to support Five Sisters Zoo in its continued rescue work, please visit www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk

Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Edinburgh Cocktail Week
St Mary's Music School
Makers Market The Lothians
Hilton Glasgow
Fayre Play
Kevin Quantum

Latest Edinburgh News

SAY Award unveils Longlist

SAY Award unveils Longlist

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024's Longlist.

READ MORE
Unsigned band wrest sell out 2,000 capacity Barrowland Ballroom

Unsigned band wrest sell out 2,000 capacity Barrowland Ballroom

Unsigned Edinburgh indie rock band wrest have sold out the legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow - without industry support, a manager or label backing.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Leisure launches new pop up exhibition as part of Edinburgh 900

Edinburgh Leisure launches new pop up exhibition as part of Edinburgh 900

As part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations, Edinburgh Leisure, the largest sports and leisure facilities provider across the city will be launching a new pop-up exhibition on Monday 30 September.

READ MORE
BBC Debate Night returns for 2024

BBC Debate Night returns for 2024

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns later this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

READ MORE
Celebrate spooky season at Edinburgh Zoo

Celebrate spooky season at Edinburgh Zoo

Celebrate spooky season at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo with a range of family-friendly and adult-only events.

READ MORE
New Scottish music awards receives over 3000 nominations in first 48 hours

New Scottish music awards receives over 3000 nominations in first 48 hours

The recently launched Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA), in association with GO Radio, has seen an overwhelming response, receiving over 3000 nominations in just the first 2 days.

READ MORE
Sotto Enoteca and Trattoria to open in Stockbridge

Sotto Enoteca and Trattoria to open in Stockbridge

Sotto, a neighbourhood Enoteca and Trattoria, will open in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge on Friday 4th October.

READ MORE
Courtney Bowman To Join Johannes Radebe and Dan Partridge in Kinky Boots at Edinburgh Playhouse

Courtney Bowman To Join Johannes Radebe and Dan Partridge in Kinky Boots at Edinburgh Playhouse

Producers ROYO and Curve are delighted to announce WhatsOnStage Award-winner, Courtney Bowman, will star as Lauren in KINKY BOOTS The Musical playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse in February!

READ MORE
Tiqets reveals Nominees for Annual Remarkable Venue Awards

Tiqets reveals Nominees for Annual Remarkable Venue Awards

Tiqets, the leading online ticketing platform for museums and attractions, today announced the nominees for the prestigious Remarkable Venue Awards 2024 (RVAs) including two in Edinburgh.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Castle celebrates the 900th anniversary of the city with return of Castle of Light

Edinburgh Castle celebrates the 900th anniversary of the city with return of Castle of Light

Edinburgh is celebrating its 900th anniversary in 2024 with a spotlight on the capital's incredible journey from the 12th century to the 21st.

READ MORE
Where to Find the Best Christmas Parties in Edinburgh for 2024

Where to Find the Best Christmas Parties in Edinburgh for 2024

With Christmas just around the corner, there's never been a better time to start thinking about your Edinburgh Christmas party!

READ MORE
Gravity Active launches incredible new deals, just in time for Autumn

Gravity Active launches incredible new deals, just in time for Autumn

Gravity Active is excited to introduce two brand new offers, set to provide families with unforgettable experiences this Autumn.

READ MORE
The Pakora Bar Say Cheers to New game changing Pale Ale

The Pakora Bar Say Cheers to New game changing Pale Ale

Iconic Edinburgh family business The Pakora Bar have announced the launch of their highly-anticipated pale ale 'Chakk De Phatte'.

READ MORE
Star Casting Announced For Chicago The Musical At The Edinburgh Playhouse

Star Casting Announced For Chicago The Musical At The Edinburgh Playhouse

David Ian for Crossroads Live in assocoation with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce star casting for multi-awarding winning CHICAGO, which plays the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.

READ MORE
Conifox Adventure Park unveils ultimate Halloween Festival 2024

Conifox Adventure Park unveils ultimate Halloween Festival 2024

Prepare for a spine-tingling spooky season as Conifox Adventure Park proudly announces the return of Edinburgh’s ultimate Halloween Festival for 2024.

READ MORE
Join the V for Life Lunch Club

Join the V for Life Lunch Club

Hendersons, in collaboration with charity V for Life, is excited to announce a special lunch club event tailored for older vegans and vegetarians on Monday 23rd September.

READ MORE
Roxy Lanes Launch Student Discounts

Roxy Lanes Launch Student Discounts

Roxy Lanes, the ‘Booze & Ball Games’ venues, have launched a new selection of student discounts, available to claim through an exclusive student loyalty scheme, every Sunday to Thursday.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland

Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland

The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.

READ MORE
Local Social Enterprise Tackling Youth Food Poverty on National Food Bank Day

Local Social Enterprise Tackling Youth Food Poverty on National Food Bank Day

On National Food Bank Day, Edinburgh Food Social invites the community to join in their mission of empowering children through essential food education.

READ MORE
Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld

Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld

Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!

READ MORE
Lannan to host Midweek Recipes pop up by Jess Elliott

Lannan to host Midweek Recipes pop up by Jess Elliott

On Thursday 26th September, Lannan - Darcie Maher's Stockbridge bakery - will host a pop-up by Jess Elliott Dennison, food writer and founder of Elliott's, in celebration of Jess's new book.

READ MORE
The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

READ MORE
Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go

Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go

Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?

READ MORE
Freshers... this bar NEEDS to be on your bucket list

Freshers... this bar NEEDS to be on your bucket list

What better way to break the ice with your new flatmates than with some competitive fun and few drinks? Cue Social Darts at Flight Club!

READ MORE
Social Bite joins The Pitt with dessert pop up

Social Bite joins The Pitt with dessert pop up

Leading homelessness charity Social Bite today announced their dessert pop-up as the newest addition to an exciting line up of local food businesses at The Pitt, Granton.

READ MORE
Unique venue offers the perfect stage

Unique venue offers the perfect stage

Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.

READ MORE
Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities

Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities

Students go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.

READ MORE
Nigerian eatery to celebrate anniversary with weekend festivities in Edinburgh

Nigerian eatery to celebrate anniversary with weekend festivities in Edinburgh

Bongou Cafe, Edinburgh's cherished Nigerian eatery, will commemorate its fifth anniversary this weekend with a celebration and a series of exciting culinary developments!

READ MORE
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh kicks off the semester with a new bar menu just for students

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh kicks off the semester with a new bar menu just for students

With a valid student ID, students throughout the capital can enjoy a range of bar bites and drinks to welcome them back to university.

READ MORE
NEW OPENING: The Shore, Edinburgh welcomes the arrival of Mara

NEW OPENING: The Shore, Edinburgh welcomes the arrival of Mara

The Shore district in Edinburgh has welcomed the arrival of Mara, a new relaxed waterside drinking spot anchored in Old Leith.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
Great Run Company
Chilcren's Classic Concerts
ACME Comic Con
National Trust
Kids Pass
Edinburgh Dungeons

Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Edinburgh Cocktail Week
St Mary's Music School
Makers Market The Lothians
Hilton Glasgow
Fayre Play
Kevin Quantum
Escape The Past
Great Run Company
Chilcren's Classic Concerts
ACME Comic Con
National Trust
Kids Pass
Edinburgh Dungeons

Popular Events

The Twilight Sad
James and Andy from The Twilight Sad bring a very special, intimate show to the Queen's Hall, featuring stripped-back songs from across their critically acclaimed body of work!
Rebus: A Game Called Malice
Transferring John Rebus' maverick detective skills to the stage, this suspense-filled play finds the iconic sleuth uncovering disturbing truths during a murder mystery game!
Sari Schorr
Leading blues rock artists, Sari Schorr plays The Voodoo Rooms on Wednesday 27th November with special guest Joe Hicks!
Starry Nights at Beecraigs Country Park
Magical illuminated Christmas experience Starry Nights comes to Beecraigs Country Park this December, providing outdoor festive fun for friends and family alike!
The Repair Shop Live: Secrets From The Barn
The Repair Shop is stepping out of the barn and onto the stage for an exciting new live tour and stops off at the Usher Hall on Tuesday 4th February!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall