A FARMER has demanded to know why he and other farmers near Borth Zoo were not informed about an escaped lynx.

Phil Turner-Wright, who has a farm close to the Wild Animal Kingdom, said he was shocked to discover about the escaped lynx on the news and had not been informed by the zoo or by the police.

He said: "The first I heard of it was on the news this morning. They’re saying it’s been free for five days.

"We’ve got livestock on the farm, sheep and chickens, but nobody has said anything to us.

"It’s essential that farmers and people with livestock are informed about things like this."

Mr Turner-Wright said he had taken his dog up to check on two piglets kept a short distance away from the farm and believes his dog caught the scent of the lynx.

He said: "The dog started barking and came back. I took him back out later and it was like he had caught a scent. I contacted the police, but I don’t think it’s here now."

Baited traps are being put out by the keepers at the zoo in a bid to find the lynx.

There have been reports that the police have been using a helicopter as part of the search.

The lynx was last seen near the zoo on Sunday night.

The zoo has been asked to comment.