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Second lynx at Borth Wild Animal Kingdom dies | Second lynx at Borth Wild Animal Kingdom dies |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A second lynx, belonging to a zoo where one escaped and was later shot, has died following a "handling error". | A second lynx, belonging to a zoo where one escaped and was later shot, has died following a "handling error". |
The news comes after Lilleth the lynx was "humanely destroyed" on Friday after escaping from Borth Wild Animal Kingdom, Ceredigion. | The news comes after Lilleth the lynx was "humanely destroyed" on Friday after escaping from Borth Wild Animal Kingdom, Ceredigion. |
In a statement, the zoo confirmed an investigation was under way after the death of the second lynx, Nilly. | In a statement, the zoo confirmed an investigation was under way after the death of the second lynx, Nilly. |
The Lynx UK Trust called for the zoo to be closed, saying the deaths were "unacceptable". | The Lynx UK Trust called for the zoo to be closed, saying the deaths were "unacceptable". |
'Devastated' | 'Devastated' |
Ceredigion council said it was investigating this second death. | Ceredigion council said it was investigating this second death. |
The statement from the zoo said: "It is with deep sadness and regret we announce the demise last week of Nilly, an adult female lynx, who was unrelated to Lilleth but shared an enclosure. | The statement from the zoo said: "It is with deep sadness and regret we announce the demise last week of Nilly, an adult female lynx, who was unrelated to Lilleth but shared an enclosure. |
"Over the past few weeks our staff have been under incredible pressure and when the authorities gave us 24-hour notice that they would be carrying out a full cat inspection we took the decision to move Nilly to a more suitable enclosure. | "Over the past few weeks our staff have been under incredible pressure and when the authorities gave us 24-hour notice that they would be carrying out a full cat inspection we took the decision to move Nilly to a more suitable enclosure. |
"Unfortunately, there seems to have been a terrible handling error where it seems she twisted in the catch-pole and became asphyxiated." | "Unfortunately, there seems to have been a terrible handling error where it seems she twisted in the catch-pole and became asphyxiated." |
It added that a key member of staff had been unable to work since the incident "as they are truly devastated by what has happened". | It added that a key member of staff had been unable to work since the incident "as they are truly devastated by what has happened". |
Paul O'Donoghue, a scientific adviser at the Lynx UK Trust, which is trying to reintroduce them in the UK, said he had visited the zoo at the weekend. | Paul O'Donoghue, a scientific adviser at the Lynx UK Trust, which is trying to reintroduce them in the UK, said he had visited the zoo at the weekend. |
"To have two die, it's unacceptable on every level. Serious questions need to be asked about the husbandry at this zoo," he said. | "To have two die, it's unacceptable on every level. Serious questions need to be asked about the husbandry at this zoo," he said. |
The trust has started a petition calling for the zoo's closure which has been signed by more than 1,400 people. | The trust has started a petition calling for the zoo's closure which has been signed by more than 1,400 people. |
The zoo's owners said they had been "working hard to make vast improvements" over the summer and plans were in place to build a new lynx enclosure. | The zoo's owners said they had been "working hard to make vast improvements" over the summer and plans were in place to build a new lynx enclosure. |
Ceredigion council said the death of Nilly was brought to its attention "the day after the animal had been inadvertently killed". | Ceredigion council said the death of Nilly was brought to its attention "the day after the animal had been inadvertently killed". |
The council spokesman added: "Due to an ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide further comment." | The council spokesman added: "Due to an ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide further comment." |
Meanwhile, the council has defended its decision to have a marksman shoot Lilleth, prompting a backlash from the owners who had been trying to capture her with bait traps. | Meanwhile, the council has defended its decision to have a marksman shoot Lilleth, prompting a backlash from the owners who had been trying to capture her with bait traps. |
The council said despite "exhaustive efforts" to recapture her, it was necessary to act because she had strayed into a populated area and "the safety of the public was paramount". | The council said despite "exhaustive efforts" to recapture her, it was necessary to act because she had strayed into a populated area and "the safety of the public was paramount". |
Lilleth is believed to have escaped after making a "giant leap" over an electrified fence. | Lilleth is believed to have escaped after making a "giant leap" over an electrified fence. |
Among those to criticise the council's decision to shoot Lilleth was TV presenter Ben Fogle who tweeted that "dogs cause more injury to sheep and people". | Among those to criticise the council's decision to shoot Lilleth was TV presenter Ben Fogle who tweeted that "dogs cause more injury to sheep and people". |
The Farmers' Union of Wales said the killing "was long overdue" given the danger to people and livestock. | The Farmers' Union of Wales said the killing "was long overdue" given the danger to people and livestock. |
Dean and Tracy Tweedy took over Borth Wild Animal Kingdom less than six months ago. | Dean and Tracy Tweedy took over Borth Wild Animal Kingdom less than six months ago. |
They said the zoo would remain closed until further notice. | They said the zoo would remain closed until further notice. |