A popular West Lothian zoo and conservation centre has been voted the best day out for the whole family in Scotland.
The ceremony, presented in association with Molson Coors, took place on Thursday the 16th of May 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow. Originally established as a garden centre by landscape gardener Brian Curran and his wife Shirley, Five Sisters Zoo evolved into a sanctuary for unwanted pets, eventually becoming an attraction for visitors. Officially founded in 2005, the zoo has grown to accommodate over 180 different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including rescued bears and lions formerly part of travelling circuses.
Last year, Five Sisters Zoo committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of Yampil, an Asiatic Black Bear rescued from an abandoned zoo in Ukraine amid the devastation of war. Despite facing significant challenges, including a funding gap of £90,000 for his specialised enclosure, the zoo has rallied support from the community to ensure Yampil’s well-being. Construction of his permanent home is underway, with completion expected by Summer 2024.