Criminal gang may be behind illegal lynx release in Scottish Highlands, expert warns

Three lynx are currently being cared for after being captured earlier this month


Wildlife experts have suggested that a criminal gang may be behind the illegal release of Lynx in the Scottish Highlands.

A total of four lynx were recently captured in the Highlands this month, after passers by spotted them roaming the area.

The cats were transported to the Royal Zoological Society Scotland (RZSS), where one later died after showing signs of starvation. 

Members of the public first spotted a pair of lynx near Kingussie on January 8th, with a further two being spotted just two days later. 

All four animals were humanely captured by the Royal Zoological Society Scotland (RZSS) shortly after being released in the wild. The remaining three lynx are currently being quarantined in Edinburgh Zoo and are said to be in good health, all estimated to be around a year old. 

Chris Lewis, captivity research and policy manager at Born Free, explained how their release may have been due to legalities around keeping exotic animals in the UK. He told The Scottish Mail on Sunday: “There is a criminal element there. The keeping of exotic and dangerous pets is linked to other illegal crime.

“Someone might have been looking to sell the lynx and didn’t realise the legislation in place here (in the UK) and decided to cut their losses.”

There is a market for small wildcat species in UK, with Born Free’s 2023 figures showing a total of 31 lynx privately owned under license. The Highland council said that no licenses were applied for in the area where the lynx were found prior to the release.

Explaining the appeal of owning big cats, Chris also said there is an “element of status and bravado in owning” big cats like lynx, they also “sell for quite a lot of money”.

RZSS chief executive, David Field, explained how the cats were likely bred in captivity, as all four were showing signs of starvation when discovered as “they aren’t used to hunting”.

He went on to say: “Part of the police investigation will be around private facilities – they will have come from an enclosure in a private facility.”

David also speculated that “rogue rewilders” could be responsible for the animals’ illegal release. Speaking of those who “bypass all the established international best practices”, he said: “We condemn the illegal release of these lynx in the strongest possible terms. It was a highly irresponsible act and it is very unlikely they would have survived in the wild due to a lack of adequate preparation.

“Their abandonment was reckless to the animals, public the community and nature.

“For now, we have named them ‘The KillieHuntly Two’ and thankfully they appear to be in good health. We are extremely grateful to all the residents, estates, farmers and conservation partners locally that provided information to us and the police. The team were ably assisted by Wildland staff on the ground and close working between all parties allowed for a swift and positive resolution in this case.”

An anonymous conservation expert also suggested that the lynx may have come from another country: “The obvious origin would be from a country that doesn’t have a dangerous animals act or similar laws.

“You would also be edging on the border of other criminal activities”.

An RZSS spokesperson said: “There’s been huge support from the public on this case and we’re sure people would love to visit the trio were they to stay in Scotland and be on show to the public”.

Featured image via Unsplash