Humane traps have been set in hope of catching the lynx which escaped from Dartmoor Zoo overnight between Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th July.
The lynx is believed to be on farm land outside the boundary of the park following a sighting by a member of park staff. Devon and Cornwall Police used its two drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras overnight to assist with the search until low fog covered the area at around 3am on the morning of Friday 8th July.
Another pic of Flaviu the Lynx who's keeping us all on our toes today. Working very hard to bring him home safely pic.twitter.com/SiX9lgsAbP
— Dartmoor Zoo (@DartmoorZoo) July 7, 2016
Park staff set 25 humane traps baited with meat in the area, and if these have not captured the lynx the intention today is to make a human cordon of staff and police officers and move the lynx back towards the park. A vet is at the scene with a tranquiliser dart gun if required.
Lots of great track sightings in the night. Hoping Flaviu will enter one of our humane traps soon, tempted by the tasty meat & be home soon
— Dartmoor Zoo (@DartmoorZoo) July 8, 2016
The Zoo remains closed today, posting on social media:
“Our staff are working very hard around the clock to get Flaviu home so we have decided not to open today. Apologies for any inconvenience,”
Safety advice has been issue to local schools and the public.
The animal should not be approached as it could become dangerous if alarmed or cornered
The public are reminded to call 999 if they make a sighting of the lynx, in both cases quoting log 252 of 7th July 2016
