A second lynx released into the wild in Scotland has died, according to conservationists. The big cat was one of four animals captured near the Dell of Killiehuntly on Friday and taken to the Highland Wildlife Park for humane treatment.
The death is believed to be linked to an illegal release by a “frustrated activist” who wants to see the lynx returned to Scotland, with some conservationists now questioning their motives. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has launched a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of the cat’s death.
The RZSS chief executive has condemned such actions, stating that they pose a “real, real risk” and are “counterproductive” to efforts to reintroduce lynx to Scotland. The animals were captured after being baited into humane traps.
One of the surviving lynx is now set to join the others at Edinburgh Zoo for quarantine, while police continue to investigate how the cats ended up in the area.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/lynx-dead-killiehuntly-scotland-highlands-b2677835.html