This is the first picture of a SECOND lynx to die at a British zoo – after it was strangled to death in a freak accident.
Bosses at Borth Wild Animal Kingdom confirmed that a second lynx from the zoo had died – a week after another was shot dead after making an escape.
Nilly, an adult female Lynx, died from asphyxiation after she became twisted in a catch-pole a keeper was using.
The employee in question is apparently devastated by the gaffe and has been unable to work since the incident.
On Friday, Ceredigion county council ordered that a lynx named Lillith be shot dead after it emerged the cat was prowling close to family homes.
Farmers’ claimed the rogue cat had killed seven sheep in a field near the zoo.
The embattled owners said the zoo had “serious issues” when they took over management six months ago.
They said the lynx enclosure was “not fit for purpose” and “certainly not up to modern zoo standards”.
The owners said: “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 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.
“An internal investigation is underway, and a key member of staff has been unable to work since the ordeal as they are truly devastated by what has happened.
“The authorities were notified after the incident and will be carrying out their own full investigation.
“When we took over this zoo less than six months ago we knew that there were serious issues with how some of the animals were housed.
“The lynx enclosure especially was not fit for purpose and certainly not up to modern zoo standards. One of the first things we did was put in a double door system so staff could safely gain access and segregate the animals to stop them from fighting. Plans are in place to build a whole new enclosure on the hill for the lynx which will give them all the individual space that they need.
“There are many serious issues with this establishment that need to be addressed before we go forward.
“Hopefully we can work with the authorities to bring this place up to code and create a home for these animals that is safe and secure.”
In light of the death the zoo has been closed indefinitely.
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