An Invitation from the Montréal Space for Life: Last Chance to See the Young Lynx at the Biodôme!

MONTREAL, Dec. 19, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Spread the word! If you haven't seen the young lynx at the Biodôme yet, or if you want to see him again, you have until the first day of 2013 to come to the Space for Life and admire him! The cub will be in the Laurentian Maple Forest ecosystem until January 1, after which he will be transferred to the Metro Toronto Zoo.

Why this move? The Biodôme is following the recommendations of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), designed to maintain genetic diversity among the Canadian lynx population in North American institutions. According to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), about 150 Canadian lynx are living in captivity in 65 institutions around the world, most of them in North America. There are few of them in captivity, so institutions encourage genetic diversity by exchanging healthy animals that can breed and renew the species.

The young lynx was born in late May of this year. He already weighs 7.6 kg and plays with everything within reach - or within biting distance! After he is transferred the adult female and male will be reintroduced into the habitat, in the hope that they will mate again. Who knows, we may be lucky enough to see more lynx cubs born in summer 2013!

December 26 - Christmas for the animals at the Biodôme
This fun-to-watch enrichment activity keeps the animals alert and curious, just as they are in the wild. The young lynx will be joining the celebration, along with the other animals at the Biodôme, as they try to figure out how to open the presents full of their favourite food.

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And don't miss

• AT THE BIODÔME
  Escape winter and enjoy a Tropical Adventure:  
  - A parrot mascot, puppet show, and kids' discovery area
  - The Eggs exhibition and a visitor guide that will appeal to even our youngest visitors
  
  
• AT THE INSECTARIUM
  Come see the new ant nest and the We Are the Insects permanent exhibition
  
  
• AT THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
  Visit the Christmas Is Knocking at the Door exhibition and admire the poinsettias and plant-based ornaments
  Meet the Sedna IV explorers at the 1000 Days for the Planet Base Camp

Complete program available
on the new montrealspaceforlife.ca website

SOURCE: Espace pour la vie

Karine Jalbert, Communications Co-ordinator
514 872-1453/ 514 250-3230
[email protected]

Nadine Fortin, Communications Co-ordinator
514 868-3053/ 514 250-7753
[email protected]