Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has raised concerns for animal welfare after Fife Animal Park announced it will be closing.
Fife Animal Park, near Cupar, houses 76 species including water buffalo, a zebra and meerkats, raccoons, Shetland ponies, Wild cat and a Jacob sheep.
Animal welfare charity OneKind’s policy director Libby Anderson said:
“Previous experience shows it is difficult to find suitable homes for exotic animals because of their extremely specialised needs.
“While we hope these animals will find happy endings, there is the danger they will have to be put down if new homes can’t be found for them.”
The animals will still live at the site while the council looks for new homes for them.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Such is the perilous state of the pure-bred Scottish wildcat that I would hope a new home can be found for the wildcat currently housed at the park.
“Experts estimate there to be only 100-200 pure bred wildcats left in the wild, therefore it is of paramount importance that the Fife Animal Park wildcat is saved.
“Fears have been raised that if the park’s animals fail to find new homes then they will be put down, Fife council and the Scottish Government must work hard to ensure that this does not happen.
“Last year the Scottish Government launched a new wildcat action plan and it would be extremely embarrassing if a Scottish wildcat is put to sleep on their watch.”