No need to bring bears to Capital

I AM very upset that Edinburgh Zoo propose to renege on a previously made commitment that following the death or relocation of the polar bear Mercedes no further bear would be forced to endure her confinement (News, April 9). Could the zoo management let us know the reasons for this change of heart?

I would also appeal to zoo members and regular visitors to speak out on behalf of Mercedes and to reflect on 22 years in captivity for an animal who naturally would roam free.

If the zoo’s aim is to produce offspring, are there other zoos in the world with a polar bear pen as up to date as the one they intend to build. Please, Edinburgh Zoo, think again.

ELIZABETH MCNEILL LIVINGSTONE PLACE, EDINBURGH