Three baby lynx enter their habitat at the Biodôme! The general public can now observe them up close!

MONTREAL, Aug. 15, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The day has come! The three lynx kittens and their mother are finally ready to move into their Laurentian Maple Forest habitat at the Biodôme. Now ten weeks old, the male and two females are very healthy and playful. Their first medical exam revealed that they are growing even faster than last year's new arrival! This is a rare opportunity for the public—youngsters especially—to see lynx kittens playing together, interacting with their mother and exploring their environment in complete freedom. They are absolutely irresistible!

The 2013 litter
Born June 4, 2013, the baby lynx are developing normally with their mother's attentive care. She diligently nurtures her little ones, nursing them, cleaning them and keeping them warm. The kittens already play together a lot. Their arrival in the habitat signals a new phase in their development, during which they will hone their reflexes with their mother's help. Like last year, the father will be kept separately in the night quarters, as the female could perceive him as a threat to her offspring.

Programs to ensure animals' wellbeing
Both adult lynx are seven years old, and this is the third time the pair have reproduced at the Biodôme—a clear sign that they are healthy and happy in their habitat. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Biodôme actively participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which seeks to establish optimal management of endangered species populations in captivity. The lynx also take part in the AZA's enrichment and training programs. The enrichment program aims to ensure better physical and psychological health for animals by stimulating their natural behaviours. The training program teaches animals to adopt certain behaviours to make veterinary actions or handling easier during medical exams and therefore keep stress to a minimum.

As the captive lynx population's growth rate is very low, the new kittens will increase its genetic diversity. Like the kitten born in 2012, they may eventually be moved to other institutions to form new breeding pairs.

But before then, Biodôme visitors can seize this wonderful opportunity to see the little lynx in their environment. Kids will love them, and even adults will be unable to resist their charms!

SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Biodôme de Montréal

Nadine Fortin, Communications Coordinator
514-868-3053
[email protected] 

Anik Robichaud-Gauvin, Communications Assistant
514-868-3123
[email protected]