Two Lynx that were illegally released into the Highlands have been traced after a joint mission between police and the Highland Wildlife Park.
The animals that no longer exist in the wild were spotted by two members of the public near Kingussie on Wednesday, January 8, and reported to police sparking a huge search.
They were captured successfully overnight and after being quarantined will be moved to Edinburgh Zoo for more assessment.
In a statement, the Highland Wildlife Park said: “We have successfully captured the two lynx that were illegally released into the Highlands.
“Working with Police Scotland, experts from our wildlife conservation charity humanely trapped the cats overnight and took them to the park’s quarantine facilities.”
“We plan to move them from the park to Edinburgh Zoo in the near future where our expert veterinary team will assess their health and welfare. We condemn the illegal release of these lynx in the strongest possible terms. It is very unlikely they would have survived in the wild.”
A statement from Police Scotland read: “Following reports of lynx being seen near to Kingussie on Wed, 8 Jan, both animals have been safely captured. They are being transported to Edinburgh to be checked over by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances.”
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