Two pairs of lynx, believed to have been released illegally, have been captured in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park. The first pair was caught nearly two days prior. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the animals' release.
Initial reports indicate the lynx, likely domesticated and accustomed to human care, were spotted in the Dell of Killiehuntly near Kingussie. Warnings were issued to the public to avoid the area, and the animals were swiftly captured by zoo officials, police, and park rangers.
Zoo experts suspect the animals were previously cared for indoors before being intentionally released into the wild. This aligns with the nature of the re-capture efforts; the lynx were described as "tame" and appearing used to human intervention. The first pair, approximately a year old, were quickly trapped. A second pair, believed to be older, were spotted later and also safely caught. The lynx are now being cared for at a wildlife park before transferring to a quarantine facility at Edinburgh Zoo.
A spokesperson from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) confirmed the successful capture of the second pair Friday evening, near the previous capture site. The RZSS highlighted the animals' need for professional care due to their prior domestication. RZSS Chief Executive David Field estimated there were around 20 privately owned lynx in the UK, suggesting potential issues with owners' ability to care for these animals.
The incident has raised concerns about the irresponsible release of wild animals and highlighted the need for responsible reintroduction practices. Authorities stressed that the release was not part of any authorized conservation program. The RZSS, along with other conservation organizations, condemned the actions of those who abandoned the lynx.
Conservation officials expressed relief at the capture and emphasized the animals' good health. Monitoring of the area will continue, as a precaution.
