Lynx could be first UK zoo-born cat freed into the wild
Summary
A lynx born in a UK zoo may be the first to be successfully released into the wild after being moved to Germany. The move resulted from a shortage of female lynxes in Europe and the need for greater genetic diversity among lynxes in the wild.Key Facts
- The lynx was born in a zoo in Cornwall and could be the first UK zoo-born cat freed into the wild.
- Normally, animals raised in zoos are not considered for release due to lack of survival skills or familiarity with humans.
- The decision to request this lynx was sparked by a shortage of female lynxes in the European breeding program.
- The lynx now resides in Germany’s Black Forest, where it is monitored in an enclosure.
- Lynx, although not considered a "big cat," can weigh up to 30 kilos and usually hunt deer.
- Lynxes were native to the UK but went extinct there hundreds of years ago.
- Dina Gebhardt from Bern Animal Park coordinates the breeding of lynxes, matching males and females from across Europe.
- The goal is to introduce more lynxes into the wild to increase their numbers and improve their genetic diversity.
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