A NEW lynx observatory at the Doñana Natural park has been officially opened by Junta president Susana Diaz.

Diaz said the observatory will help ‘spread the programme of recovery of the species in the Iberian Peninsula’.

The new centre, in El Acebuche, will also allow schools to visit to educate children on the wild cats’ habitat and their need for protection.

Diaz added that the increase in lynx numbers in Andalucia, from 94 in 2002 to 448 today, has been important and internationally recognised.’

“Above all, it has been done with absolute respect for the environment,” she said.