Endangered African Lynx Rescued from Private Garden in Marbella
In a recent operation, officers from Spain’s Guardia Civil police force have successfully retrieved an African lynx from a private garden in Marbella, located on the Costa del Sol. The authorities were alerted by a local resident about the presence of the potentially dangerous feline, which weighed approximately 20 kilos.
Escaped Lynx Traced Back to House 20 Kilometres Away
According to a statement released by the Guardia Civil, the lynx had managed to escape from a house located some 20 kilometres away. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers identified the animal as an endangered African lynx (Caracal caracal), a species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Owner Located, Illegal Animal Trafficking Suspected
The officers were able to locate the owner and discovered that the lynx had been illegally acquired and transported by air from Moscow in 2022. The animal was falsely declared as a domestic cat upon entry into Spain. Consequently, a report alleging animal trafficking offence, in line with the CITES agreement, has been forwarded to the customs and excise office in Malaga.
Rescued Lynx Handed Over to Exotic Mammal Rescue Centre
The lynx, named Jakar, is approximately two and a half years old. It was captured by the Veterinary Health team of the Marbella town hall. Jakar has now been handed over to an exotic mammal rescue centre, AAP Primadomus, located in Alicante. AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) is a European animal welfare organisation dedicated to providing a better future for exotic mammals such as primates, lions, and tigers in Europe.
