First Scottish wildcat arrives at 'breed-and-release' centre

[Still Waters]

The first of 16 Scottish wildcats has been introduced to a new "breed-and-release" wildcat centre created in the Highlands.

Conservationists have warned the species is on the brink of extinction in the wild in Scotland.

The plan is to release kittens born at the captive breeding centre at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, near Aviemore, at selected locations.

The first wildcat to arrive is a young female called Nell.

She was born on the Alladale Wilderness Reserve near Ardgay in Sutherland. Her kittens could be among the first to be released into the wild.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-56414261

[TashaMarie]

They are so cute.

[Matt221]

2 hours ago, TashaMarie said:

They are so cute.

So they maybe but you can have my go at picking them up for a cuddle  

[TashaMarie]

Just now, Matt221 said:

So they maybe but you can have my go at picking them up for a cuddle  

Nah its okay I'm good thanks.

[Still Waters]

Hope Scottish wildcat kittens could help save species

Scottish wildcat kittens born at an animal park could be among the first to be released into the wild as part of a project trying to save the species.

In the wild the cat is extinct or on the brink of extinction, according to research.

The Saving Wildcats project is breeding wildcats in captivity with the aim of releasing some in the Cairngorms.

The initiative has announced the birth of the first kittens - a total of eight in three litters.

Sixteen adult cats were paired up earlier this year after arriving at the park in 2021. The project team hope more kittens could be born in coming weeks.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-61495491

The link contains a short video of the kittens

[Still Waters]

A licence has been approved for the release of captive-bred Scottish wildcats in the UK's largest national park.

The first in a series of trial releases at undisclosed locations in the Cairngorms National Park is planned for June.

The Saving Wildcats project said it would be the first conservation translocation of wildcats in Britain.

Eventually, as many as 20 wildcats could be released annually.

There are wildcats in the wild in the Cairngorms, but the population is under threat.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-65065167