Dartmoor Zoo celebrates birth of Carpathian Lynx kits

Dartmoor Zoo has announced the arrival of new additions to its Carpathian Lynx family. Emily and Flaviu, affectionately known as ‘Flavily’ by zoo staff, have welcomed kits, marking a significant milestone for conservation efforts of this endangered species.

Emily, who recently arrived from Karlsruhe Zoo in Germany, quickly found companionship with Flaviu after their introduction in March. 

ABOVE: Proud parents, Emily and Flaviu. Image credit: Kira Butters Content Creator

The pair exhibited strong bonding behaviours including mutual grooming and mating, setting the stage for the anticipated arrival of their offspring.

The birth of two kits was confirmed on Wednesday, May 29, as keepers heard the unmistakable squeaks emanating from Emily’s cubbing den. 

Although the exact number of kits has yet to be determined, initial observations indicate that Emily is calm and in good spirits, while Flaviu has taken on a protective role, showing attentiveness towards both Emily and their newborn litter.

Due to the sensitive nature of this period, the lynx enclosure will remain closed to the public until further notice. 

This precaution aims to provide the family with a tranquil environment where they can adjust comfortably. 

Visitors are encouraged to respect this privacy and refrain from causing disturbance around the enclosure.

Animal Manager Madeleine Millin commented: “Everyone at Dartmoor Zoo is elated at our newest arrivals. The keeper team will be monitoring Emily and Flaviu’s behaviour and welfare during this time whilst ensuring the parents and kits have space to adjust, explore and to feel safe and calm in their environment. The enclosure will remain off show to the public until further notice, so although they may be visible, we ask guests to remain calm and quiet around their enclosure until further notice.”

Kits are born blind and with their ears folded, heavily relying upon their parents until they begin to explore their environments after around a month. 

Although kits may be visible whilst they’re learning to explore their new home, guests are asked to exercise caution around their enclosure to ensure minimal disruption. 

Regular observations will take place over the coming months to ensure both parents and kits are doing well.

CEO David Gibson commented: “We are absolutely thrilled with the birth of our Carpathian Lynx kits. This species is under severe threat across much of its home range in central Europe, so every captive born individual is extremely important for the future survival of the species. Our Keepers will be monitoring both mum and kits closely over the next few weeks.”

Emily and Flaviu are Carpathian Lynx, a subspecies of Eurasian Lynx, the largest of all 4 species. 

The majority of this species can be found in Romania, Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine, whilst the population in Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria is scattered.

With a population of around 2100 to 2400, breeding and reintroduction programmes within zoos are essential to stabilising and subsequently increasing these numbers.

The zoo has said to announce that their breeding match has been successful is a great achievement.