Two new Iberian lynx specimens, named Werva and Wound, were released this week on a regional farm in Torrecilla de Valmadrid (Zaragoza), marking the third of four planned releases this season. The goal is to reach a total of 32 lynx in Aragon by 2030.

The President of the Government of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, highlighted the success of previous releases and praised the work of the Department of Environment, veterinarians, and technicians. "The release of the previous two pairs is being a success, and that is the fundamental reason why we must thank the entire Department of Environment, the veterinarians, the technicians of the Environment, who are doing a fantastic job for us to launch a unique environmental project," he stated.

This initiative aims to recover a species that had disappeared from the region, enriching Aragon's natural diversity. The president also acknowledged the collaboration and funding from private companies such as Repsol and Samca, in addition to a European subsidy of 900,000 euros.

The project has been enthusiastically received by the 16 municipalities along the Huerva river. Azcón regretted that a similar proposal in Monegros was halted due to opposition from some Socialist Party mayors, despite the "undoubted" benefits for the rural environment.

Eight specimens per year are planned to be released over four annual periods. The released specimens remain in an acclimatization enclosure before adapting to the natural environment and learning to hunt rabbits. The first specimens, Windtail and Winx, released in March, have already explored a 15-kilometer radius around the release area.

The Head of the Biodiversity Service, Manuel Alcántara, reported that the first two lynx have approached locations such as Jaulín and Cuarte de Huerva, although they tend to return to the original area. With the arrival of warmer weather, water sources in the area are being reinforced to ensure availability throughout the summer.