Second lynx killed at same zoo after death of escaped big cat

A second lynx has reportedly been killed after the death of an escaped big cat which was shot by a marksman over the weekend.

The lynx, is believed to be a five-year female called Nilly who was strangled to death in a "fatal error" by a cat keeper at Borth Wild Animal Kingdom.

The staff member is said to have been under "incredible pressure" and is on leave pending investigation.

The zoo is already under fire after 18-month-old Lillith the lynx went missing three weeks ago after leaping over an electric fence.

The animal was hunted with traps, heat-seeking drones and a police helicopter - before she was shot by a marksman over the weekend.

But the Lynx UK Trust say another lynx was killed at the zoo during the search for Lillith.

The wild cat was allegedly strangled with a dog noose while zoo keepers attempted to move it to another enclosure before an inspection by Ceredigion Council.

The Zoo posted a statement on its Facebook page confirming the death, claiming it was a "terrible handling error".

It went on to say an internal investigation is underway and the zoo will remain closed until further notice.

Dr Paul O'Donoghue, chief scientific advisor to the Trust, hit out at "incompetence and ineptitude" at the zoo.

The trust also claims that Lillith was in a cage with five other lynx before her escape - and went on the run after being attacked by another big cat.

She allegedly used a tree that the zoo had failed to cut back to escape the enclosure and zoo keepers with 'no experience' were sent after her.

Lynx UK Trust say that incompetence at the zoo and local Ceredigion County Council is wholly to blame for the death of Lillith and the second lynx.

It is now calling for the closure Borth Wild Animal Kingdom.

Dr O'Donoghue said: "I've visited Borth Zoo and had the entire sequence of events explained to me.

"The levels of incompetence and ineptitude are mind-blowing."

He went on to say that "hobby zoos" are a "disaster waiting to happen".

Owners of Borth Wildlife Animal Kingdom in Ceredigion, Dean and Tracy Tweedy, blasted the decision to kill 18 month old Lillith, saying that they were 'devastated and outraged'.

Mrs Tweedy, 47, said: "I am angry - there is nothing humane about shooting a defenceless creature."

A petition calling for the zoo to be shut down now has 900 signatures.

The Lynx UK Trust have said that they can provide secure enclosures for the surviving lynx at the wildlife park.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion Council said they're currently investigating a recent second incident regarding the death of a Lynx linked to Borth Wild Animal Kingdom which was brought to the council’s attention the day after the animal had been inadvertently killed. Due to an ongoing investigation, the council said it was unable to provide further comment.

Celebrity Ben Fogle has called on the public to let Ceredigion County Council know their feelings about the death of Lillith who escaped from the zoo.