THREE BEARS RESCUED from homelessness have taken their first steps in a brand new sanctuary at Five Sisters Zoo in Scotland today.

Peggy, Suzy and Carmen had been living in cramped cages barely bigger than themselves but their new home boasts a waterfall and stream, as well as indoor and outdoor enclosures.

It is a long way from their previous life in a travelling circus and cages measuring just 10 square-metres.

The zoo launched an appeal last year to raise £80,000 so they could rescue the bears from their holding centre in Belgium. After months of fundraising and building the special-purpose enclosure, the three bears arrived safely at 11.30pm last night.

All three bears, aged between 23 and 28, were born in captivity and worked for their owner in the circus. Suzy has been so traumatised that she still sometimes walks in small circles.

They were put in a temporary cage after their owner fell ill, but were desperately in need of a new home when the Five Sisters Zoo stepped in.

The zoo say them “seem well” and are getting settled after being watered and fed. ”They will need time to get to know us and adjust to their new surroundings,” the non-profit making organisation added.

They seem just fine to us: