CORNISH WILDCAT KITTEN BEGINS FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR REWILDING JOURNEY 

Zoo-born lynx enters quarantine ahead of German transfer. 

The nine-month-old Carpathian lynx born at Newquay Zoo last May has begun the final stage of preparations before joining Europe’s prestigious Linking Lynx rewilding programme. 

Following last month’s announcement of her selection as the first UK-bred cat to participate in the conservation initiative, the female cub will enter a week-long quarantine period in her regular enclosure next week – the crucial step before her transfer to Germany at the month’s end. 

Zoo staff have confirmed the lynx has passed all health assessments. Now, during this period of quarantine, her contact with humans will be further minimised, essential for her future adaptation to life in the wilderness. 

John Meek, Curator of Animals and Plants at Newquay Zoo, commented: 

“We’re tremendously proud to reach this stage in the process. The quarantine period starts her transition from zoo life to wild preparation.” 

After leaving Cornwall, the lynx will relocate to Zoo Karlsruhe in Germany for specialised training in hunting and other survival skills within a semi-wild environment. She is expected to remain at the German facility until the end of summer, with her potential release into the wild scheduled for autumn, contingent upon her progress in developing essential survival skills. 

Dr Kathy Baker, Research Officer for the zoo’s parent charity, Wild Planet Trust, commented:  

“This demonstrates how even smaller facilities like Newquay Zoo can make substantial contributions to international conservation initiatives. We’ve planned every detail to give her the best chance of thriving in the wild. ” 

While visitors will no longer be able to view the cub as she prepares for her journey, her parents Kicsi and Onyx remain on display at the zoo. Visitors to Newquay Zoo can also learn more about the project through special displays next to the lynx enclosure, while fans can follow the lynx’s progress on the zoo’s social media channels after she leaves for her new life in Germany. 

To book tickets and help the charity’s support conservation efforts, visit newquayzoo.org.uk.