Ukrainian bear, traumatized by war, to find a new home at a Scottish zoo

An Asiatic black bear, who suffered immense trauma in a zoo under Russian occupation in Ukraine, is about to be relocated to a zoo in Scotland.

In October 2022, Ukrainian soldiers entered the abandoned zoo in the village of Yampil, Donetsk, which had been under Russian control. They discovered that nearly all of the 200 animals there had been killed.

A 12-year-old bear was one of the few survivors. He had suffered severe injuries, including a concussion caused by a nearby shell explosion, and was just days away from death, according to a statement from the Five Sisters Zoo in Scotland.

Now, Yampil – named after the village where he was found – is set to begin a new chapter as he is adopted by the Scottish zoo, following a rescue journey that took him across Europe, from Ukraine to Poland and Belgium.

He will travel to his new home, located 20 miles west of Edinburgh, early next year.

Russia's war in Ukraine has displaced and killed not only people but also animals, as refugees were forced to abandon their pets, and the zoo animals have faced dire conditions with limited care.

“War and conflict are devastating for people, and it's often overlooked that they also deeply affect animals,” said Romain Pizzi, the head veterinarian at Five Sisters Zoo, in an interview with Dinogo.

Speaking via video call from outside Yampil's enclosure at the Natuurhulpcentrum wildlife rescue center in northeastern Belgium, he commented: “There are many species, like the Asiatic black bear, that are incredibly intelligent.”

Just like humans, animals can experience long-lasting effects from trauma and require specialized care. On Monday, Pizzi and the zoo's chief carnivore keeper, Gary Curran, visited Yampil at the center, where he is given time to 'de-stress' and is closely monitored for any health issues.

“We want to ensure that the sanctuary enclosure we build for him in Scotland will meet his specific needs, taking into account the trauma he has endured and any maladaptive behaviors he may have developed,” Pizzi added.

The zoo, known for rescuing bears and other animals, primarily from circuses and roadside attractions, first learned about Yampil through Natuurhulpcentrum.

“I was deeply moved by his story. It’s hard to imagine the horrors he’s been through,” Curran shared with Dinogo. “We were determined to provide him with a safe, loving home for the rest of his life, no matter the cost.”

The zoo announced that building Yampil's new enclosure will require an investment of approximately £200,000, and it is encouraging people to contribute to help achieve this goal.

So far, Pizzi has described Yampil as a 'gentle bear,' and the zoo’s staff are optimistic about providing him with a happy and fulfilling life in Scotland, where he can thrive as a 'normal, content bear.'