Two lynx that were illegally released into the Scottish Highlands have been captured, sparking a debate about wildlife conservation and rewilding efforts in the UK.
The large cats, known for their ability to ambush prey more than twice their size, were found in the Cairngorms National Park, a region known for its red deer population.
The animals, which can grow up to three feet in length, are currently in quarantine at the Highland Wildlife Park before being transferred to Edinburgh Zoo for health and welfare assessments.
David Field, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), condemned the unauthorized release.
“We condemn the illegal release of these lynx in the strongest possible terms. It was a highly irresponsible act, and it is doubtful they would have survived in the wild due to a lack of adequate preparation,” he stated.
“Their abandonment was reckless to the animals, the public, the community, and nature.
For now, we have named them the Killiehuntly Two, and thankfully, they appear to be in good health.”
The Eurasian lynx, Europe’s third-largest predator after brown bears and wolves, was driven to extinction in Britain over 1,300 years ago due to hunting and habitat loss.
In recent years, the species has become a symbol of rewilding efforts to restore ecological balance.
Proponents argue that lynx could help control deer populations, reduce forest damage, and promote woodland regeneration.
Rewilding Britain estimates that if woodland areas continue to expand, a population of around 400 lynx could sustainably thrive in the Scottish Highlands.
However, authorities have made it clear that the release of these two lynx was illegal.
Investigations are ongoing to determine who was responsible for introducing the animals into the wild without proper authorization.
