Don't bring more captive bears to the Capital

I HAVE never written to a newspaper in my life before (preferring to keep my thoughts and comments to myself) however, your story about Mercedes the polar bear ("Polar bear pen plan gets icy reception", News, April 9) has compelled me to do so.

Last year, on a visit to Edinburgh Zoo, it was obvious to me and most people there at the time, that Mercedes was totally bored and frustrated, going round and round in her pool.

As your article stated, these magnificent creatures are used to roaming vast stretches of land and to confine them in an enclosure, no matter how hard you try to re-create their natural habitat, seems cruel.

Did anyone think the picture of Mercedes showed a happy and contented bear?

Whilst I accept that Mercedes will now probably spend the rest of her life in this manner, I feel it would be cruel to put another polar bear through the same ordeal.

So come on Edinburgh Zoo, please have a rethink.

DOUGLAS BROWN

NORTHFIELD TERRACE

EDINBURGH