Benji and Balu, who now live at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight after being relocated from Azerbaijan, have been keeping cool in a new rainwater-fed pond designed as part of a sustainability project.
The pond is supplied by a rainwater harvesting system that collects run-off from the sanctuary’s cafe roof, helping reduce demand on the local water supply during ongoing hosepipe bans.
The project is part of a broader Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) scheme, funded by a £200,000 grant from Southern Water.
Rescued bear cools off in new eco-pond (Image: Southern Water) Joanne Wood, partnerships delivery manager at Southern Water, said: “It has been so exciting to help the sanctuary and its amazing animals.
“Managing the water cycle better here will in turn help the environment beyond its boundaries, reducing the number of storm overflows and flooding incidents, which will all contribute to healthier rivers and seas on the Isle of Wight.”
Other elements of the SuDS Safari include permeable paving, rain gardens, and a wetland pond that fills and drains with the weather.
The improvements are designed to reduce pressure on the sewer network, lowering the risk of flooding and stormwater overflows.