Five Sisters’ rescued puma, Inca, settling in well in West Lothian - Steve Cardownie
The work at the Five Sisters Zoo continues apace with one of the newest arrivals now settlung in to it's new home. After arriving last October, Inca, a puma has now become a firm favourite with the staff at the zoo and the visitors alike. Rescued after facing an uncertain future she is now thriving in her new surroundings.
Adele Copland from the zoo told me that " Inca is currently being housed next to the snow leopard enclosure, where she is growing in confidence and starting to show her playful side - delighting everyone who meets her."
Work is progressing on her new permanent enclosure "ensuring that she will have a safe and stimulating home" said Adele who also said that "supporters can contribute to this work through the zoo's puma enclosure fund."
In addition, the zoo' lionesses, sisters Luna and Pluza, rescued from the war currently being waged in Ukraine, have been receiving regular vetinary attention including treatment for dental issues as the zoo continues to prioritise their health.
Adele was delighted that "both lionesses have become noticeably more relaxed and playful which has been wonderful for our staff to witness."
She said that the sisters had now been at the zoo for more than a year and that "After the difficult circumstances they were rescued from in Ukraine, it has been incredibly encouraging to see them growing in confidence and showing more of their individual personalities."
The lionesses are proving to be a popular attraction as they develop and assert themselves in their spacious enclosure.
Adam Welsh, the zoo's Head of Education, was looking forward to the opening of the zoo's new education facility, hopefully in six weeks time. It comprises of two classrooms which can each accommodate up to 30 students.
He told me that, last year, approximately 15,000 students attended organised visits from nurseries up to universities and that 6,000 of those were school childrem whose visit was curriculum linked.
Students hear from the zoo's educational staff, all of whom have scientific bsckgrounds,in animal biology.
Adam said that teaching about the biodiversity crisis that is now prevalent throughout the world was what underpinned the zoo's core educational message and that animal species preservation played a crucial role in reversing damage.
I spoke to Adam at length about the role that zoos should play, not only in preserving species, but also in educating members of the public in what the biodiversity crisis means and what they might be able to do to address it.
Given his qualifications in animal science and his passion for the subject I have no doubt that his ability to influence the students that pass through the zoo must be considerable.
I have visited the zoo on several occasions and, as i have pointed out before, the term "zoo" is a bit of a misnomer. It is really an animal rescue centre as all the animals housed within it had uncertain futures to say the least.