Staff at a Fife animal park are busy ensuring they have all the bear necessities in place for the arrival of two special new residents.
The Scottish Deer Centre in Cupar will welcome two brown bears, Nellie and Lockie, who will live in a £40,000 purpose-built enclosure.
The bears, a mother and cub aged 10 and four, are joining the centre from Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling, which is rehoming them as a result of various redevelopments.
Centre manager Simon Louden said Nellie and Lockie will be a welcome addition to the Fife attraction.
“Everyone at the centre is really excited about the bears as we have never had any before,” he said.
“We have built a special bear house for them, which has been designed to meet their every need and ensure their personal safety.
“They have a large pond to swim in and a waterfall, a climbing area, large mounds and bridges, and other things that will provide lots of foraging opportunities.
“Bears are one of the hardest wild animals to keep in captivation because they are so intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation. They are always digging and climbing trees so we have tried to ensure they have everything they need in that regard here.”
“Little Lockie is not fully grown yet and is still at the stage where he loves to play around and be quite boisterous so he will be fun for visitors to watch.
“They are omnivores, so eat pretty much anything, although they are natural seasonal eaters because they are used to eating whatever becomes available.”
The bears are expected to arrive next week and be available for public viewing from June 1.
Mr Louden added: “They will be transported in special, individual crates, kindly loaned by Edinburgh Zoo.
“One of the keepers from Blair Drummond will accompany them and will stay a while with them to help them settle in to their new surroundings.”