Two remaining 'deliberately abandoned' lynx in Scottish Highlands captured
by Kathryn Riddell, Ryan McDougall PA Scotland · ChronicleLiveThe two lynx that were "deliberately abandoned" in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands have been successfully recaptured.
Specialists from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) used humane traps baited with food to secure the errant animals in the Cairngorms after they were spotted on Thursday night.
A collaborative rescue operation involving Police Scotland and the rangers from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) culminated in their safe capture at 6.30pm on Friday, close to the Dell of Killiehuntly, where two other illegally released lynx had been previously found on Thursday. RZSS head of conservation, Dr Helen Senn, expressed relief: "I’m sure that everyone in the community will be happy and relieved to know that the second pair of lynx have been safely captured."
Commenting on their condition, she added: "Early reports are that they appear to be in good health, which is the most important thing.
"It’s been a rollercoaster 48 hours, with people working throughout the day and night, in some extremely challenging conditions, but I’ve been so impressed by the efforts of our own staff as well as partners, and members of the local community to ensure that the outcome is a positive one."
Dr Senn also outlined the next steps for the animals: "The lynx will now be moved to Highland Wildlife Park before being moved to Edinburgh Zoo to quarantine for 30 days. Although we don’t think that there are any more lynx out there, we will continue to monitor the release site under the direction of Police Scotland."
Highland Wildlife Park, located in the Cairngorms near Kingussie, announced on Facebook that the animals had been intentionally abandoned, but stressed that RZSS confirmed they were in good health. The statement reads: "Two additional lynx who appear to have been deliberately abandoned in the Cairngorms have been safely captured this evening."
Police Scotland stated that investigations into the pair's origin are ongoing, with officers and wildlife experts continuing to inspect the area where the incident occurred.
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