LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Captured Lynx in Cairngorms Show Positive Recovery After Illegal Release
Three illegally released lynx recover well at Edinburgh Zoo following their capture amid concerns for their survival.
13 February 2025 · 08:00 UTC
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the charity overseeing the zoo, confirmed the animals were captured in early January 2023 in the Drumguish region, near Kingussie after they raised concerns regarding their wellbeing.
These three lynx, believed to be less than one year old, were found in good health post-quarantine according to RZSS.
David Field, the Chief Executive of RZSS, stated, "the lynx are healthy and recovering in our quarantine facilities at Edinburgh Zoo." A fourth lynx, captured alongside the trio, was confirmed dead shortly after capture.
This lynx was identified as male and similar in age to the surviving females.
The captured lynx have been given temporary names, A, B, and C, reminiscent of the naming tradition established by Thomas Gillespie, the founder of Edinburgh Zoo when it opened in 1913. Field emphasized the irresponsibility of the illegal release, noting that without intervention, the lynx would likely have perished in the wild.
RZSS staff, including expert keepers and veterinarians, have been closely monitoring the trio's adaptation, observing that they are becoming increasingly confident and starting to display their individual personalities.
As the lynx have successfully completed their quarantine phase, RZSS is now faced with the challenge of finding a permanent home for them.
Field highlighted the financial implications of their care, announcing that the organization has initiated a donation appeal, receiving positive community response thus far.
The incident has raised broader discussions regarding wildlife conservation and the impact of unauthorized animal releases into natural habitats, particularly for vulnerable species.