FINLAY UPDATE- SUCCESS IS SWEET

Hi All

We know how keen you have all been to hear news about Finlay. We know how much he means to you all. We have kept updates to a minimum not because we want to exclude you, but because Finlay’s security and safety is always our priority.

As we have said before in previous updates, Finlay’s rehoming back to the Highlands went exactly to plan and he settled in perfectly to his new home. Many of you will remember the pictures of him stood majestically on top of a barn roof, surveying his new kingdom. Finlay made the most of his freedom but always had and still has access to water, food, and shelter. For the first few months Finlay stayed close to the den area but would be seen wandering further afield and exploring the perfect habitat that surrounded him. He was observed hunting and he constantly impressed us with his ingenuity. He would sit on top of fence posts on the forest edge and then leap onto his unsuspecting prey below. He has always been a fantastic hunter.

After the initial first months of orientation, Finlay started to disappear. At first, he wouldn’t be there for his morning feed. We of course would be filled with anxiety but also excitement at the thought of the adventures he would be having. He would then turn up for his evening feed with a look as thought to say ‘I don’t what you are worrying about’. He then transitioned from missing one feed to disappearing for the whole day and night. We had no idea whatsoever as to where he went, despite multiple cameras being set across the surrounding area. However, he would always return and each time he would look stronger, wilder and his behaviour was becoming more aloof to his carers.

Finlay then decided to disappear for a whole week. We have to admit that we were nervously excited but were now no longer concerned, as Finlay was proving to be perfectly capable of surviving on his own. After that first week, Finlay just turned up looking better and healthier than ever.  But he didn’t hang around for long. Eventually Finlay would disappear for a whole month and then turn up looking magnificent, but his attitude towards his carers was now one of indifference and certainly not dependency. Finlay now disappears for months on end. We never wanted to hinder Finlay with a GPS collar and so we simply have no idea where he is or what he is doing. All we know is that he is more than capable of looking after himself and we have no anxiety at all about him. We simply enjoy imagining how he must feel to be able to go wherever he likes, whenever he likes. This picture was taken on a phone by one of his carers. A fleeting glimpse of Finlay in his element.

We have no idea when we will next see Finlay or even if we will see him again. But that is not a cause for sadness. It is only the selfish part of us that wants to see him and know that he is ok. Finlay still has access to food, water and shelter if he ever needs it. But the reality is that he doesn’t need it. He has an abundance of natural prey, a multitude of remote and natural dens sites and he has the freedom of the entire Highlands. Also, who knows who he has met on his travels!!!!

As we said from the very start, the goal was always to give Finlay the opportunity to choose his own destiny. We all know the difficult start to life he had and the trauma he was put through. At those times Finlay had no choice. However, whatever happens next will be Finlay’s choice and that is what Freedom is all about.

We will of course update you with any significant news but do not worry about Finlay, instead rejoice in the fact that because of our collective efforts, Finlay is living his own life. Imagine as we do, the adventures he is having and we hope that brings a big smile to your faces. This is what success looks and feels like.

We have so many updates coming, our project is expanding and strengthening all the time, so keep watching. We will be updating you on the Clashindarroch next week and we also have new wildcats to show you which we are very excited about. We also of course have the ongoing legal case for ‘Justice for Finlay’ which we will update you on very soon. But now is not the time. This is a happy post and we want your minds to be filled with joy and imagination.

Thanks as always and keep watching.

Very best wishes

Emily and the Wildcat Haven Team