We are home to two Northern lynx here at the park, Switch and Neon. 

FACT FILE

• The Northern lynx (Lynx lynx lynx) is one of a number of subspecies of Eurasian lynx
• They have distinctive dark tufts on their ears, which are thought to act a bit like antennae in helping to locate prey using their excellent hearing
• The main threats to lynx are hunting and habitat loss. Although the population has benefitted from the ban on legal international fur trade, illegal hunting still represents a major threat
• Lynx are powerful, stealthy hunters and rely on short bursts of speed to catch prey in a surprise, explosive attack. If the prey has a chance to run, the lynx will rarely chase it
• They are capable of jumping two metres in the air to strike at birds, which they flush out and catch in mid-air, but they prefer to eat deer and rabbits
• In the wild, lynx are shy and solitary creatures which do not venture far from the coniferous forests or thick woodland which they prefer. They each have their own range with some males roaming over an area of more than 50 square miles

HOW WE'RE HELPING

Wild populations of lynx are at risk due to habitat loss and poaching. Here at RZSS, our lynx are part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) which ensures a healthy and genetically diverse population.

Like all the animals in our care, our lynx are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the park and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation