Canada Lynx Cubs Explore Outdoors at Queens Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 17, 2020 2:30 pm

The Canada lynx cubs explore their enclosure at Queens Zoo

Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

Three Canada lynx cubs are ready to meet guests at Queens Zoo as they re-open following their closure due to Covid-19.

The cubs, one male and two females were born in May during the zoos temporary closure. Since then they have bonded off display with their mother but are now mature enough to explore the main exhibit.

The Canada lynx cubs explore their enclosure at Queens Zoo

Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

“Lynx cubs are really fun to watch at this age. Their characteristically large paws look enormous in comparison to their size,” said Mike Allen, Queens Zoo Director. “Their playful stalking and pouncing is how they learn to hunt in the wild. Our guests will enjoy watching their development and the opportunity to observe these behaviors as the cubs mature.”

The large paws of the Canada lynx act as snowshoes. They help to prevent them sinking in the deep snow. Canada lynx are a medium sized cat which can be identified by the tufts of fur on the ears and cheek.

The Canada lynx cubs explore their enclosure at Queens Zoo

Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

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While Canada lynx are listed as Least Concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) their numbers are declining in the United States due to hunting for fur and habitat destruction.

This trio of cubs were born following a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is a cooperative program which aims to ensure genetic viability of the captive Canada lynx population.