Right now, the circus bears – Suzy, Peggy and Carmen – are stranded in Belgium after 20 years of living in cramped cages just 10m square.

Nearly £5,000 was raised over the Christmas period, taking a fund to rehome the bears at Scotland’s Five Sisters Zoo up to £50,000.

Another £30,000 still needs to be raised, but zoo bosses have set a date in March for the rescue, because they are worried about how the bears are doing. One of the bears paces in circles as a result of her life behind bars and is getting extra care to feel better.

The three bears’ new home in Scotland is a two-acre wooded enclosure, complete with a pond.

Five Sisters Zoo owner, Brian Curran, says: “We have been overwhelmed by the support of everyone and I am sure we can raise the rest of the money, which is needed to finish the bears’ new enclosure. Finally it will give them the home they deserve after so long of suffering.”

You can help raise funds by having your, or a loved one’s, name engraved on a “Save the Circus Bears” campaign wall plaque at the back of the enclosure. It costs £10 for each name. Or you can donate online at www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk.