AssetID: 54583350
Headline: Cornish Lynx On Path To Be Set Free Into The Wild
Caption: **VIDEO AVAILABLE: CONTACT INFO@COVERMG.COM TO RECEIVE** A lynx kitten born at Newquay Zoo in Cornwall is on course to become one of Europe’s first wild lynx in hundreds of years. The British zoo-bred wild cat has been selected as a candidate for Europe's prestigious Linking Lynx rewilding programme. The nine-month-old female Carpathian lynx, born on 29 May 2024, will soon begin her preparation for potential release into the wild, pending successful health checks and behavioural assessments. She is part of an ambitious effort to bolster wild lynx populations across Europe's mountain ranges, from the Carpathians to the Alps. If she meets the necessary criteria, the young lynx will be relocated to a specialised habituation facility in Germany within the coming weeks. There, she will spend several months in a semi-wild environment, honing the survival skills needed for life in the wild while under expert supervision. This process is part of a collaborative effort between the European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP), Newquay Zoo, and the Linking Lynx project, which includes conservation partners such as Zoo Karlsruhe in Germany. Dr Kathy Baker, Research Officer for Wild Planet Trust, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative: "This initiative not only demonstrates the vital role that forward-thinking zoos can play in wildlife conservation but also how important our visitors and local community are in supporting us. We are a charity, and every person who visits our zoos directly contributes towards programmes like this that could help restore wildlife populations around the world. Our mission is to help halt species decline, and this is a fantastic example of the work we are doing to achieve this goal." The Linking Lynx project is one of Europe's most ambitious carnivore conservation initiatives, aiming to establish a connected population of Carpathian lynx from their stronghold in the Carpathian Mountains to the Western Alps and Dinaric ranges. While the Carpathian lynx is classified as Least Concern, reintroduced populations face Endangered status due to habitat fragmentation and human activity. The project underscores the need for early, coordinated international action to address these challenges. Dina Gebhardt, EEP Co-ordinator for Eurasian Lynxes, emphasised the growing need for zoo-bred lynxes in rewilding programmes: "Now that the Carpathian lynx EEP is part of several in-situ projects in Europe, the demand for offspring – especially females – has risen considerably. The goal is not only to maintain genetic diversity within the zoo population but also to provide individuals for reintroduction into the wild. This requires professional, scientifically-led zoos that follow the Linking Lynx protocols conscientiously." The preparation process is delicate, requiring a careful balance of monitoring and allowing the lynx to retain its wild instincts. This sophisticated conservation work relies on collaboration across borders and institutions. For Newquay Zoo, which has successfully bred several lynx cubs over the past decade, participation in the Linking Lynx project highlights how local conservation centres can contribute to global wildlife preservation efforts. John Meek, Curator of Plants and Animals at Newquay Zoo, praised the kitten's progress: "She's shown remarkable development from day one. Her selection as a candidate for this programme validates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal care and wildlife conservation. Every visitor who has supported our work has contributed to this moment." As spring approaches and the kitten's potential departure draws nearer, keepers are maintaining a careful distance – a bittersweet but necessary step in preparing her for a future in the wild. In the months ahead, supporters will be able to follow her journey from Cornwall to Germany and, ultimately, her transition into the wild. Newquay Zoo will provide regular updates as this young lynx embarks on her extraordinary journey, offering a rare glimpse into the complexities and triumphs of modern wildlife conservation.
Keywords: lynx, big cat, feature, photo, video, nature
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