Blog: Yampil - a journey of survival, connection and global impact

Gary Curran, Five Sisters Zoo, On the story of Yampil the Asiatic black bear rescued from the war in Ukraine:

In the diverse world of zoos, aquariums and safari parks, everyone has their favourite animal. The reasons behind these favourites are unique and often reveal an interesting insight into connections between humans and animals. Some individuals are captivated by the powerful presence and majesty of big cats. Others might find themselves won over by the humorous antics of primates. However, from my time at Five Sisters Zoo, I have noticed that it’s often an animal’s unique story that catches people’s interest and creates a lasting connection. The journey of Yampil is one such story.

Yampil, a 12-year-old male Asiatic black bear, narrowly avoided a tragic end in a war-ravaged zoo in Ukraine. The facility was largely destroyed by the time Ukrainian troops reclaimed the area in 2022. Yampil was discovered among the ruins and was close to dying from starvation and dehydration as a result of the ongoing warfare.

The rescue marked the beginning of a long recovery journey for Yampil. He was first transported to Kyiv, where he received essential veterinary care and began his road to physical and emotional recovery. From there he was transported to Poland and then to Natuurhulpcentrum, an animal rescue centre in Belgium. After several months of care and rehabilitation, Yampil found his new home with us at Five Sisters Zoo.

Yampil’s arrival generated worldwide attention, allowing us to connect with audiences we had never previously reached. The global reach was staggering, estimated to be around eight billion! This remarkable story gave us an opportunity to raise awareness about animals like Yampil, and to highlight the extraordinary rescue efforts that led to his relocation to Scotland.

Recently, Yampil received a heartwarming visit from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), particularly children who have been displaced from Ukraine and are currently residing in Scotland. This was more than just a casual zoo visit; these children seemed to particularly empathise with Yampil. Much like them, Yampil was uprooted from his home and had to adjust to a new environment. Many of the children still had family in Ukraine, and we hope that the visit offered a sense of connection to their homeland. Yampil’s story much like theirs, is one of survival and adaptability in challenging times. In a show of gratitude, the children prepared thank you drawings for our keepers, highlighting the deep emotional bond they had formed with Yampil.

This is where zoos show their true value – as well as playing an instrumental role as key centres for conservation and education, they also serve as healing environments for not only animals, but people too. They are home to ambassador animals just like Yampil, who, through their presence, give zoo professionals the ability to educate visitors about their species, habitats, and the threats they face. Sometimes, their story can connect with people on a deeper level, sparking an interest and a sense of responsibility to protect them and the many other amazing species that share our planet.

- Gary Curran, Head Carnivore Keeper, Five Sisters Zoo

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's positions