Two Eurasian lynx, illegally released into the wild near Drumguish, Scottish Highlands, have been safely captured and are reported to be in good health.
The wild cats were spotted in the snowy woodlands near Kingussie on Wednesday evening, prompting police to issue a warning urging the public not to approach them.
Experts from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), in collaboration with Police Scotland, humanely trapped the lynx overnight using baited cages equipped with live trail cameras.
The animals are now under quarantine at Highland Wildlife Park and will be transferred to Edinburgh Zoo for further health assessments.
David Barclay, manager of RZSS’s wildcat conservation team, described the capture as a challenging but rewarding effort. “It was amazing to see the lynx being captured safely and humanely, which makes the lack of sleep more than worth it,” he said.
The animals, nicknamed “The KillieHuntly Two,” will remain in quarantine for 30 days as required by biosecurity laws. While their future remains uncertain, they may eventually return to Highland Wildlife Park, which is already home to two northern lynx named Switch and Neon.
Condemnation of Illegal Release
The illegal release has been widely condemned by conservation groups and animal welfare organizations. RZSS’s chief executive, David Field, criticized the act as “highly irresponsible” and warned of its potential dangers. “Their abandonment was reckless to the animals, the public, and the surrounding community,” he said.
Peter Cairns, executive director of Scotland: The Big Picture, a charity working towards the reintroduction of lynx to Scotland, echoed the sentiment.
“We understand the frustration of those wishing to see lynx restored to the Scottish landscape, but an illegal release is not the way to achieve that aim,” he stated.
There is speculation that the act may have been carried out by someone frustrated with the slow progress of official reintroduction efforts.
Evidence at the scene, including straw bedding, dead chicks, and porcupine quills, suggests the lynx had been deliberately left in a layby before being spotted nearby.
Concerns from Farmers
The farmers’ union NFU Scotland, which opposes the reintroduction of lynx to the Cairngorms, expressed concerns about potential threats to livestock.
While the lynx were captured quickly, the incident has reignited debates over the feasibility and risks of rewilding initiatives in Scotland.
A History of Escapades
Willie Anderson, deputy team leader of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, described the lynx as “very tame,” noting they were unlikely to survive in the wild without adequate preparation.
“To catch one lynx in a cage was great, but two was really fantastic,” he said, praising the efforts of Highland Wildlife Park staff.
This is not the first time the park has dealt with an animal escapade. In February 2023, a Japanese macaque made headlines after escaping and evading capture for four days before being lured back by a Yorkshire pudding.
While the capture of the lynx was successful, the incident has underscored the importance of adhering to proper wildlife reintroduction protocols to ensure the safety of animals and communities alike.
