Three lively Canadian lynx cubs (Lynx canadensis) have stepped into the limelight at the Queens Zoo, captivating visitors with their playful antics.
Born in May during the zoo’s temporary closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the trio—comprising one male and two females—have matured enough to explore their exhibit alongside their mother.
Watch the video at the end.
According to Mike Allen, Director of the Queens Zoo, lynx cubs are a joy to watch at this age, with their notably large paws and playful stalking and pouncing behaviors that mimic the skills they’ll need for hunting in the wild.
The birth of these cubs was part of a breeding recommendation from the Canada Lynx Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding program accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) aimed at enhancing the genetic diversity of animal populations in zoos and aquariums.
Canadian lynx are medium-sized cats distinguished by their thick grayish-brown coat and short tails, with pointed tufts of fur on their ears and cheeks.
Their oversized paws act as natural snowshoes, helping them navigate the deep snow during the harsh winters of their native range, which spans Alaska, Canada, and portions of the northern and western United States.
While populations of Canadian lynx are healthy in some parts of their range, the species is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
However, in the United States, they are protected under the Endangered Species Act due to decreased numbers caused by fur trapping and habitat destruction.
The Queens Zoo, along with the other four Wildlife Conservation Society parks in New York City (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium), has reopened to the public, welcoming visitors by the COVID-19 safety guidelines issued by the State of New York.
All guests over three years old are required to wear masks, and tickets must be purchased in advance online. For a complete list of COVID-19 protocols, visit the zoo’s Know Before You Go page.
