The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Park’s star attraction Bella passes away
Scotland’s oldest sea lion has died at the safari park where she lived for 13 years.
Bella, the 22-year-old California sea lion, was a star attraction at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling.
A vet who worked with her said she had developed complications from an existing liver disease, and passed away peacefully overnight.
Nikki Morrison, team leader of the sea lion department at Blair Drummond, said: “Bella was a much-loved star of our sea lion team and she will be sadly missed.
“She was very popular with our staff and visitors alike and we have been completely overwhelmed by the public’s reaction to her passing.”
Bella moved to Blair Drummond Safari Park from Flamingo Land, North Yorkshire, in December 2004.
Staff said she served as an ambassador animal for her wild counterparts “to help educate and inspire millions of guests to increase respect for marine wildlife and conservation”.
Bella continued to perform for visitors after undergoing a major eye operation earlier this year, but was said to be making a transition to retirement.
The park broke the sad news online.
Sarah Douglas, whose family visited in August, replied: “I’m so sad I won’t get to see her face again, she was a beautiful girl. Sweet dreams Bella.”