TWO lynx which had been illegally released into the Highlands have been captured.
We told on Wednesday night how the public had been warned not to approach the animals after they were seen in the Drumguish area near Kingussie.
However, in a post on Twitter/X, Highland Wildlife Park confirmed the animals have now been recaptured.
The post read: “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.”
The statement further explained that the plan was now to move the animals to Edinburgh Zoo “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 released by Police Scotland Highlands & Islands said: "Following reports of lynx being seen near to Kingussie on January 8, 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."
