Tropiquria Zoo hoping to make rescued bobcat Bode a permanent resident

West Somerset: Residents are coming together to help keep Bode the bobcat. They aim to raise £3,500 for his permanent home at Tropiquaria Zoo.

After an online appeal, about 60 donations totaling nearly £2,500 came in within a day. This support shows how much the community cares.

Bode was rescued just hours before he was set to be euthanized. Tropiquaria director Chris Moiser stepped in to save him from a tragic fate.

Bode was the last of 28 animals needing new homes after a local animal welfare case. Moiser learned about Bode’s situation and acted quickly to bring him to safety.

Initially, Bode was supposed to go to a charity in The Netherlands. However, paperwork delays meant he could stay in West Somerset instead.

Local people have expressed their desire for Bode to remain at Tropiquaria. The zoo needs about £3,500 to upgrade his enclosure and make it suitable.

Moiser mentioned that staff and visitors have grown fond of Bode. Many have offered financial support to help with his housing.

The zoo has a suitable enclosure but needs to make some improvements. They hope to use any extra funds for environmental enrichment and path upgrades.

In addition to cash, skilled labor and equipment donations would help reduce costs. This would speed up the process of making Bode’s home comfortable.

Bode is currently in isolation to help him adjust. Moiser assures everyone that he is well cared for and settling in nicely.

He is a handsome bobcat and is winning over the hearts of his keepers. The zoo is also looking for corporate sponsors to help with the enclosure costs.

The public response to Bode’s story has been incredible. An earlier fundraising effort for the zoo has also raised over £11,000 to support operations.

Despite financial challenges, Moiser felt rescuing Bode was the right thing to do. He believes in doing what’s best for the animals.