Statement from Wild Planet Trust
We wanted to share an important update on our Carpathian lynx kitten and the Linking Lynx expert network.
After a series of thorough behavioural tests at Zoo Karlsruhe in Germany, the Linking Lynx team has decided that our lynx kitten will stay at the facility as part of their breeding programme instead of being released into the wild. While we had hoped she would be suitable for release, this outcome provides valuable insights that will help improve future reintroduction efforts.
Even though the result isn’t what we initially hoped for, we are proud that that our lynx has been able to make an important scientific contribution. We’ve helped establish key guidelines that will enhance how future reintroduction candidates are prepared.
Her role in the breeding programme means her genes will still help wild lynx populations through her offspring. Breeding females are in high demand for European reintroduction projects, and her future kittens, raised with improved methods based on this research, will have improved chances for successful release.
Modern conservation means we learn from every outcome, even when it’s not what we expected. This experience shows why keeping genetically diverse zoo collections is so important – while direct release wasn’t right for this individual lynx, she’ll continue contributing to lynx conservation in an equally important way.
We’re grateful to our supporters who have followed this journey and understand that good conservation science sometimes takes unexpected turns. Every visit to our zoo directly supports vital research like this, helping us advance conservation efforts worldwide. By continuing to visit and support zoos, you’re playing a crucial role in protecting species and restoring wild populations.
