BODE the bobcat has been taken to the hearts of West Somerset residents and some further afield as a fund-raising target to provide him with a new home in Tropiquaria Zoo was smashed.

Tropiquaria director Chris Moiser wanted to raise £3,500 to keep Bode after he was rescued from being euthanised following a court case which closed down a big cat sanctuary in Hertfordshire.

This week, the online fund-raising totalled nearly £5,000 with donations from almost 200 people.

Mr Moiser has started to convert an enclosure which is about the right length and height for Bode but is in need of some upgrading.

The enclosure is currently home to two raccoon dogs ‘of a certain age’ which no longer need the space after their youngsters grew up and will be moved across the zoo to a more suitable residence.

Tropiquaria Zoo has taken in bobcat Bode after he was at risk of being put down following the closure of a big cat sanctuary.
Tropiquaria Zoo has taken in bobcat Bode after he was at risk of being put down following the closure of a big cat sanctuary. ( )

Mr Moiser said: “We are so so heartened. He is a very special boy and we are so pleased to be part of his story.

“Although we have hit our initial target, donations can still be made, all additional funds will be spent on further development of the new enclosure to include even more exciting features.

“We are working as fast as we can, and one thing we would love to add if the budget will allow is a water feature, as bobcats are more likely to interact with this.

“We would be looking to source a good amount of natural rock if anybody has any ideas on this.”

In the meantime, a separate online appeal to help Tropiquaria meet its daily overheads and survive the winter until the 2025 visitor season opens has topped £11,000.

The winter appeal was launched after West Somerset experienced a fall-off in visitors last summer and businesses were hit by Government increases in National Insurance contributions and minimum wage rates.