Kids name three lynx rescued after being illegally released

Video released of 2nd lynx pair illegally abandoned - while one dies at zoo. Release date January 12 2025. A lynx released illegally into the wild has died after it was captured - as police warn the public to avoid the area. The feline was one of two spotted on Friday morning and caught the same evening - along with two others taken into care on Wednesday. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has confirmed one of the latest pair has sadly died. Dr Helen Senn, RZSS Head of Conservation said: “After extensive efforts to capture these animals safely and humanely, we were very sad to discover that one of them has died overnight.

Lynx rescued after illegal Highland release named by local primary school

One of the three lynx who was rescued after an illegal release. (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland via SWNS)

By Elizabeth Hunter

Three lynx rescued after being illegally released in the Scottish Highlands have been named Caledonia, Cardrona and Bluebell by a local primary school.

The lynx are currently under the care of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) at Highland Wildlife Park.

Pair of lynx loose in the Highlands in “suspected illegal release” are caught

The lynx spotted in the Cairngorms National Park. (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland via SWNS)

Judith Bowman, carnivore team leader, said, “It has been wonderful to care for the three girls here at the park over the past month.

"We are already seeing their playful and curious personalities flourish.

“Thank you to Kinlochleven Primary P3-4, who chose Bluebell’s name, and submitted an amazing competition entry on their commitment to protecting nature.

Lynx rescued after illegal Highland release named by local primary school

(Royal Zoological Society of Scotland via SWNS)

“Caledonia was named by our prize draw winner, and Cardrona by the Weir Charitable Trust.

"Without support from kind people like this, our wildlife conservation charity wouldn’t be able to continue its vital work.”

Earlier this year, the lynx were released in the Scottish Highlands in a "highly irresponsible act" and were captured and transferred to a zoo.

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