Escaped African Lynx Found in Spanish Garden
In a surprising turn of events, an African Lynx that had escaped from a home in Marbella was discovered in a garden approximately 20 kilometres away. The Lynx, weighing 20 kilos and approximately 30 months old, was illegally imported into Spain from Moscow in 2022. The animal’s documentation falsely identified it as a domestic cat.
Rescue and Relocation to Alicante
Upon discovery, the Lynx was transported to the province of Alicante and placed in the care of the exotic mammal rescue centre, AAP Primadomus in Villena. The discovery was made by a local resident who was startled to find the unusual animal in his garden. The Guardia Civil was alerted, and officers from the Seprona environmental group confirmed the animal to be an African Lynx, a species considered threatened under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
Marbella City Council’s Role in the Capture
The Lynx, named Jakar, was safely captured by the Veterinary Health team of the Marbella City Council. The team consists of specialised staff trained to handle such situations.
Investigation into Jakar’s Owner
The Guardia Civil managed to locate Jakar’s owner. However, as the owner did not possess a CITES import permit certificate, a complaint was filed against him for the alleged violation of the Law on the Suppression of Smuggling. The complaint was forwarded to the Customs Unit, and the investigation remains open. If it is concluded that a crime against fauna and flora has been committed, further action will be taken.
Jakar’s Journey to AAP Centre in Villena
Jakar was then transported to the AAP centre in Villena, a facility fully equipped to provide the necessary care for the Lynx. AAP, or Animal Advocacy and Protection, is a European animal welfare organisation dedicated to ensuring a better future for exotic mammals, including primates, lions, and tigers in Europe.
AAP’s Role in Animal Welfare
The AAP centre not only rescues animals but also works towards raising awareness and advocating for improved welfare laws across Europe. Their aim is to prevent future suffering of exotic species.
Related Incident: African Lynx Surprises Police in Valencia
In a related incident, an African Lynx surprised police officers in Valencia, Spain, while they were attempting to arrest a robber. This incident further highlights the issue of illegal exotic animal trade in the country.
