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The Independent
11 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Lynx rescued from Highlands given names at their new home
A trio of lynx who were illegally released into the Scottish Highlands earlier this year have been named, following a competition involving school children and charity donors. Caledonia, Cardrona and Bluebell have settled in at the Highland Wildlife Park, a few miles from where they were first discovered in the Cairngorms National Park. The wild cats were rescued in freezing overnight temperatures by experts from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) in January. A fourth juvenile lynx was found abandoned but died after being rescued. The unplanned release of the animals was condemned by welfare groups and prompted a police investigation, though so far no arrests have been made. Schools in Scotland were invited to take part in the competition, submitting projects on the value of nature, with the winners being Kinlochleven Primary School's P3-4 class – who chose the name Bluebell. Caledonia was named by the winner of a prize draw which raised more than £7,600 for RZSS, while Cardrona was named by the Weir Charitable Trust, who made a generous donation. 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.'
The National
11 hours ago
- General
- The National
Highland Wildlife Park reveals names for 3 rescued lynx
THE three lynx rescued by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) after being abandoned in the Highlands earlier this year have been named. Having settled in well at their new home at Highland Wildlife Park, the wildlife conservation charity gave Scottish schools and donors the chance to name the three female cats. Kinlochleven Primary school, a prize draw winner, and the Weir Charitable Trust named the lynx Bluebell, Caledonia, and Cardrona. READ MORE: Experts explore Swiss-style lynx reintroduction in Scotland The prize draw raised more than £7600 for RZSS and the Weir Charitable Trust made a "generous donation" to help care for the lynx.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Lynx rescued from Highlands given names at their new home
A trio of lynx who were illegally released into the Scottish Highlands earlier this year have been named, following a competition involving school children and charity donors. Caledonia, Cardrona and Bluebell have settled in at the Highland Wildlife Park, a few miles from where they were first discovered in the Cairngorms National Park. The wild cats were rescued in freezing overnight temperatures by experts from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) in January. A fourth juvenile lynx was found abandoned but died after being rescued. The unplanned release of the animals was condemned by welfare groups and prompted a police investigation, though so far no arrests have been made. Schools in Scotland were invited to take part in the competition, submitting projects on the value of nature, with the winners being Kinlochleven Primary School's P3-4 class – who chose the name Bluebell. Caledonia was named by the winner of a prize draw which raised more than £7,600 for RZSS, while Cardrona was named by the Weir Charitable Trust, who made a generous donation. 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.'
Daily Record
13 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Runaway lynx rescued after illegal release in Highlands named by local kids
Children from a local primary school chose the named of the wild cats. Three lynx rescued after being illegally released in the Scottish Highlands have been named Caledonia, Cardrona and Bluebell by children from a local primary school. The animals were caught in January after the alarm was raised and were found with signs of starvation while roaming the Cairngorms. A fourth lynx sadly died following capture. They are currently under the care of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) at Highland Wildlife Park after initially being taken in by Edinburgh Zoo for a period of quarantine. 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. "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." The cats were confirmed in January as being Eurasian lynx – the largest of four species of the animals. Zoo chiefs revealed in February the trio are all female, and are believed to be less than a year old. The lynx have been given temporary names 'A', 'B' and 'C'. The lynx that died in captivity was a male estimated to be the same age as the females. In February, RZSS chief executive David Field said: 'Illegally releasing these cats into the wild was highly irresponsible and it is likely they would have died had they not been rescued." Lynx were driven to extinction on British shores hundreds of years ago despite still present throughout much of Europe and Asia. RZSS officials said the animals were showing signs of starvation when they were found. Campaigns to reintroduce the apex predators to areas of the UK, such as in the Scottish highlands, have met opposition from some sheep farmers who fear for the safety of their own animals. Scotland's National Lynx Discussion found that sheep and other livestock, especially those near wooded areas, are more vulnerable to such predation. Experts say en effective management system could include paying farmers for losses and co-existence, with relocation or lethal control as "necessary components" of any framework to manage the issue. The report also revealed that lynx could have a "significant" impact on game birds in places where the species come into contact, though they are unlikely to play a major part in the animals ' diet at a national level. But it was also found there is 'sufficient' space in the country to support the introduction of the animals into the eco-system. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: "We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. "While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen.
Edinburgh Reporter
23-06-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh's tallest residents enjoy World Giraffe Day
Edinburgh Zoo's tallest residents were enjoying the high life as the attraction celebrated World Giraffe Day at the weekend. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) attraction has since 2021 been home to five male Nubian giraffes named Ronnie, Arrow, Fennessy, Gerald and Gilbert. They live in a £2.8 million state of the art bachelor pad including high level walkways to allow visitors to meet them face-to-face, with an outdoor enclosure the size of a football pitch with some of the best views in the city. The world's tallest animals at up to 18 feet tall, they arrived in Scotland four years ago thanks to a partnership involving the RZSS, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and sponsors Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The lofty creatures help to educate the public about giraffes' plight in the wild, while the partnership also helps save declining wild populations by funding vital conservation work in Africa. Keepers in Edinburgh marked World Giraffe Day on Saturday with special enrichment for the animals and a range of giraffe-related activities including crafts and games for children. The Zoo said: 'We're proud of our partnership with Giraffe Conservation Foundation and Glenmorangie which helps protect giraffes in Uganda through science and genetic expertise. 'Every ticket to the zoo and giraffe adoption purchased helps protect the species in the wild. Together we can stand tall for giraffes and make a difference.' World Giraffe Day is a GCF initiative to raise awareness and support for giraffe conservation in the wild. It is celebrated each year on June 21, dubbed 'the longest day for the tallest animal'. The Foundation's newly published State of Giraffe 2025 report reveals conservation initiatives are having a positive effect. Despite decades of decline and ongoing threats, three of the four distinct giraffe species in Africa are showing positive population trends as a 'direct result of effective conservation actions, dedicated research, and growing global awareness'. Stephanie Fennessy, GCF's Executive Director, said: 'Not only are our conservation efforts paying off, but with the support of our partners, we are getting better at monitoring and protecting these iconic creatures.' 21/6/2025 World Giraffe Day at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson 21/6/2025 World Giraffe Day at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson 21/6/2025 World Giraffe Day at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson 21/6/2025 World Giraffe Day at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson Like this: Like Related
