I doubt anyone can actually answer this.. but it would be interesting to know how many "big cats" are actually already here in the UK legally and legitimately.. ie... in zoos and private collections. I know for a fact.. as in I've seen them.. there's Leppard and Lynx all within a stones throw of just where I am in the East mids. Plus animals that don't even belong on this continent.. Polar bears.. African Wild dogs.. Giraffes.. Tigers Lions..etc. These cats have been over here for decades.
Is there a census or register anyone?? Be interesting to know..?