THE story of Bode the bobcat rescued by West Somerset zoo Tropiquaria has touched the hearts of aquatic landscape companies around the country whose staff have been giving their own time to help build a first-in-Europe new enclosure for the animal.

They contributed specialist skills to add a water feature in a bobcat enclosure which Tropiquaria staff started to build with the help of more than £6,000 in public donations raised from an online appeal.

Tropiquaria director Chris Moiser said it was the first ecosystem pond of its kind installed in a zoo setting anywhere in Europe.

Mr Moiser said the installation, which would cost up to £30,000 if somebody wanted one in their back garden, had been painstakingly planned out by ‘the absolute best in the business’.

He said: “The team have worked non-stop for the last three days, and it is looking amazing.

“It includes a fantastically landscaped area, a rapid waterfall, a long stream area running across the whole enclosure, and a pond on the other side, all completely constructed with natural rock to give us a hyper-realistic feature in the enclosure.

“This is hugely exciting, as the river area in particular will be a really interactive space for Bode to enjoy.

“Bobcats, unlike your domestic cats, can be quite fond of water.

“On top of the benefits to Bode, it will also look amazing, and bring added animation and noise to the exhibit for all to enjoy.”

Workers involved came from DU Waterscapes, of Ilminster, Yorkshire-based JD Landscapes and Ponds, Bedfordshire firm SI Waterscapes, Aquaflora Landscapes Ltd, of Bristol, and Toby H Aquascape, part of an American firm.

Mr Moiser said there was still some way to go with Bode’s new home and lots of ‘ideas and ambitions’ were still on the table, depending on how much funding could be raised.