THE OWNERS of Borth Wild Animal Kingdom have confirmed this morning that a second lynx has died at the zoo.

Following the death of Lillith on Friday afternoon, a statement from the Animal Kingdom this morning confirmed that a second lynx, Nilly, was strangled to death when staff tried to move her to another enclosure.

Nilly, an adult female lynx, twisted whilst in a catch-pole and became asphyxiated according to a statement.

The owners added: "Over the past few weeks our staff have been under incredible pressure and when the authorities gave us 24-hour notice that they would be carrying out a full cat inspection we took the decision to move Nilly to a more suitable enclosure.

"Unfortunately, there seems to have been a terrible handling error where it seems she twisted in the catch-pole and became asphyxiated. An internal investigation is underway, and a key member of staff has been unable to work since the ordeal as they are truly devastated by what has happened.

"The authorities were notified after the incident and will be carrying out their own full investigation.

"When we took over this zoo less than six months ago we knew that there were serious issues with how some of the animals were housed.

"The lynx enclosure especially was not fit for purpose and certainly not up to modern zoo standards. One of the first things we did was put in a double door system so staff could safely gain access and segregate the animals to stop them from fighting. Plans are in place to build a whole new enclosure on the hill for the lynx which will give them all the individual space that they need.

"The zoo is now closed and will remain closed until further notice.

"There are many serious issues with this establishment that need to be addressed before we go forward.

"Hopefully we can work with the authorities to bring this place up to code and create a home for these animals that is safe and secure."