Dartmoor Zoo 'delighted' after successful bonding of Lynx pair

Dartmoor Zoo has said they are ‘delighted’ over the successful pairing of two Carpathian Lynx residents, Flaviu and Emily. 

The announcement comes following the introduction of Emily, the latest addition to the zoo's family.

Emily, a seven and a half year old Carpathian Lynx, made her way to Dartmoor Zoo in late February 2024 from Karlsruhe Zoo in Germany, where she was born in 2016. 

Her arrival has sparked excitement and anticipation among the zoo staff and visitors alike.

Flaviu, just under ten years old, has been a cherished resident of Dartmoor Zoo since July 2016.

Born at Port Lympne Wildlife Park in 2014, he brings years of experience and a valuable presence to the zoo's lynx population.

CEO David Gibson expressed his elation, stating: “We are all delighted to see that Flaviu and Emily have successfully pair bonded.” 

Observers have already noted positive signs of bonding, including mutual grooming and mating behaviour. 

There is hopeful anticipation that the pair could welcome their first litter of kittens as early as June this year, marking a significant milestone in the zoo's breeding program.

Conservation breeding of Carpathian Lynx holds critical importance due to the species' declining populations in the wild over many years. The successful pairing of Flaviu and Emily represents a beacon of hope for the species' future.

The process of introducing two apex predators like the Carpathian Lynx is no small feat, requiring meticulous planning and preparation. 

The zoo has said the Dartmoor Zoo team dedicated considerable time to familiarising the lynxes with each other's scent and presence before physically introducing them on Tuesday, March 19. 

The Carpathian Lynx, a subspecies of the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), faces various challenges in the wild, making conservation breeding initiatives all the more crucial.

Female Carpathian Lynx typically have a gestation period of approximately 70 days, giving birth to litters ranging from one to four kittens.

With the successful pairing of Flaviu and Emily, Dartmoor Zoo has said the preparation was worthwhile as the pair immediately bonded and have been inseparable ever since.

Video Credit: Kira Butters, Content Creator.