A PAIR of lynx were captured in the Highlands yesterday – but two more have been spotted in the same area overnight.
The wild cats were illegally released in the Cairngorms in what has been described as a “highly irresponsible act” before being spotted in the Dell of Killiehuntly area.
The cats are now being held in Edinburgh Zoo after being captured by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) where they are undergoing health and welfare checks.
However, in a shocking further twist, there have been reports of two more lynx spotted in the same region today, with police urging the public not to approach the animals.
Yesterday, the RZSS confirmed that they had worked alongside Police Scotland to humanely trap the cats and transfer them to quarantine facilities before housing them at Edinburgh Zoo.
David Barclay, manager of the RZSS Saving Wildcats team, said: “We set live trail cameras near baited traps, and it was a long night for our specialist keepers who were taking turns to monitor any activity.
“It was amazing to see the lynx being captured safely and humanely, which makes the lack of sleep more than worth it.
“Biosecurity laws mean the cats need to spend 30 days in suitable quarantine facilities, so we will transfer them from Highland Wildlife Park to Edinburgh Zoo, where we will further assess their health and welfare.
“Long-term, they may return to Highland Wildlife Park, which is near where they were trapped, though it is too early to say for certain.”
RZSS chief executive David Field said: “We condemn the illegal release of these lynx in the strongest possible terms.
“It was a highly irresponsible act, and it is very unlikely they would have survived in the wild due to a lack of adequate preparation.
“Their abandonment was reckless to the animals, the public, the community and nature.
“For now, we have named them ‘The Killiehuntly Two’ and thankfully they appear to be in good health.
“We are extremely grateful to all the residents, estates, farmers and conservation partners locally that provided information to us and the police.
“The team were ably assisted by wildland staff on the ground and close working between all parties allowed for a swift and positive resolution in this case.”
The RZSS are appealing for information on how the cats came to be in the area.
With two more lynx now having been spotted in the area, another capture mission has begun.
Today, Police Scotland posted on social media saying: “We received a report of another two lynx being seen near Kingussie.
“Please do not approach the animals. We are working with partners to capture them safely.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances, including those connected with two lynx successfully captured already.”
