Cuddled next to each other, their thick coats almost merged, the lynx found in the wilds of the Highlands appear to be settling into their current home.
Far from the snow and frost covered countryside where they were found starving, the cats now have a sheltered home, food and the care they require.
In total four lynx were humanely captured in pairs in the Dell of Killiehuntly area near Kingussie this month after their shocking presence in the area was captured on wildlife cameras.
The first two were found 100 yards from a lay-by where a crate was discovered containing recently dead chicks, a staple food of captive animals. One cat died shortly after it was caught.
According to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the lynx, which appeared to be tame, would have been under great stress after being abandoned in a new and ‘extremely harsh’ environment they were not equipped to survive in.
The remaining cats were moved to Edinburgh Zoo where they are currently undergoing a 30-day period of quarantine.
RZSS, which operates the zoo as well as the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie, said it is pleased with the progress they have made.
A spokesman said: ‘The three lynx are doing well and are being cared for by our expert keepers and vets. The two that were rescued together are still together and the third is alone for now.
Conservationists are split over whether the lynx were released as part of an ill-conceived attempt at rewilding or if they were dumped by an illegal owner who did not want to care for them.
However, given they are clearly tame, it is unlikely the felines would have survived in the wild.
Taking on the animals, which require an enclosure, quarantine, health exams, food, permits and staff allocation, is costly and a fundraising drive is under way.
The RZSS spokesman added: ‘There’s been huge support from the public on this case and we’re sure people would love to visit the trio were they to stay in Scotland and be on show to the public.’