Lynx enclosure reopens at Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo has announced that the Carpathian Lynx enclosure is once again open to the public. 

Starting today (July 20), visitors can view the lynx family after a successful breeding match between Carpathian Lynx pair Emily and Flaviu.

On Wednesday, May 29, zoo staff confirmed the birth of two kits through the sounds of squeaks from the cubbing den and subsequent sightings as the kits began to explore their habitat. 

To ensure the safety and comfort of both the parents and kits, guests were previously asked to exercise caution around the enclosure to minimise disruption.

Regular welfare checks confirmed that both Emily and Flaviu were calm, adjusting well to parenthood, and showing positive signs of protection and attentiveness towards their litter. After eight weeks, the kits are thriving and exploring their environment more each day.

Given their progress, Dartmoor Zoo has decided to remove the barriers as of Saturday, July 20, allowing guests to witness the lynx family up close.

Visitors are still advised to remain calm around the enclosure as the kits continue to develop.

CEO David Gibson commented: “Now that our pair of Lynx kittens are 8 weeks old the riskiest period of their upbringing has passed. Emily and Flaviu are proving to be excellent parents and both kittens are thriving. It’s beautiful to watch them explore their surroundings as they become more and more inquisitive.

“Not only is their birth important for Dartmoor Zoo but it is crucial for the future survival of the species. Thankfully wild populations of Eurasian Lynx are recovering but this would not have been possible without the conservation breeding efforts of Zoos.”

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 – 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.