Three abandoned lynx which were quarantined in Edinburgh after they were rescued in the Highlands have been named Caledonia, Cardrona and Bluebell.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) trapped the vulnerable big cats in January after they were spotted near Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park.
The animals – all females thought to be under a year old – were quarantined at Edinburgh Zoo before being given a permanent home together at the RZSS’s Highland Wildlife Park in May.
The wildlife conservation charity offered the chance to name the trio to Scottish schools and people and organisations who had donated money to help care for the animals.
Judith Bowman, carnivore team leader at Highland Wildlife Park, 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.
“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.”
A total of four lynx were abandoned in freezing conditions in January. They were humanely trapped but one, a male around the same age, died shortly after being rescued.
The surviving trio were put into quarantine in Edinburgh where they were monitored closely by vets and given full health checks.
It was quickly established that the animals would not be able to survive in the wild, which ruled out any possibility they could be transported to parts of Europe where the species is being reintroduced.
Speaking in May, RZSS chief executive David Field said: “The lynx were clearly habituated to humans and would most likely have died if they hadn’t been rescued as they would not have been able to find food for themselves.
“Caring for these cats at Highland Wildlife Park will help raise awareness of this incredible species and support discussions about how to reintroduce wildlife in Scotland responsibly.”
Visitors to Highland Wildlife Park can now spot Caledonia, Cardrona and Bluebell and learn more about the species and the conservation challenges they face.
