Mystery AtlasEscaped Exotics Theory
The proposal that Australia's reported big cats descend from captive large cats released or escaped decades ago, most often traced to pumas kept as mascots by US military units stationed in Australia during the Second World War, or to private zoo and circus escapees, which then established a small breeding population.
In Australia
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Connected to
How this topic links to the people, places, and ideas around it — drawn from our knowledge graph.
Places
Escaped Exotics Theory is located in Australia — The most-cited version of the theory traces to pumas kept as mascots by US military units stationed in Victoria during the Second World War.
Creatures & Figures
Escaped Exotics Theory attempts to explain Australian Big Cats.
Escaped Exotics Theory attempts to explain Beast of Bodmin Moor — The UK version of the theory centres on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which is credited with prompting some private owners to release big cats rather than pay for a licence.
Explored on these pages
What Did the Government Find on Bodmin Moor?
What did the 1995 government inquiry into the Beast of Bodmin Moor actually find, and what was the leopard skull discovered days later?
Are There Black Panthers in Australia?
Are there black panthers in Australia? The Blue Mountains and Gippsland sightings, four government inquiries, and what the DNA evidence actually found.