FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Erie-PA]— The Erie Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of two Canada lynx kittens, born on Friday, May 17, 2024. This is the first litter from parents Hunter and Roxy, which marks a significant milestone for the zoo's efforts in conservation and education.
Hunter is a six-year-old male who was born at Erie Zoo. His parents, Russell and Martina, were the zoo's first pair of Canada lynx. In March of last year, Roxy, a three-year-old female, joined the Erie Zoo from Hershey, Pennsylvania's Zoo America. Their introduction was thoroughly planned, and the process began in September 2023. By the end of the year, they were able to be housed together, just in time for breeding season, which takes place from February to April in this region.
Both mother and kittens are doing well and are currently being monitored through closed-circuit cameras under the attentive care of expert veterinary and animal care staff. While the new family bonds and grows, Hunter will remain on exhibit while Roxy tends to the needs of her kittens behind the scenes. This provision gives them the privacy and security they need to thrive.
"We are overjoyed to welcome the new lynx kittens to the Erie Zoo family," said Roo Kojancie, President and CEO of the Erie Zoo. "Their birth is a testament to our commitment to conservation and provides a unique opportunity for our community to learn more about these fascinating animals."
The birth of these kittens underscores zoos' vital role in wildlife conservation and education. The AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) established a specialized Canada Lynx Management Group to advise zoos in the species' husbandry, breeding, education, behavioral training, and enrichment needs. Coordinating breeding pairs is critical in ensuring the genetic diversity and sustainability of the population. Erie Zoo's Animal Curator, Jennifer Salandra, currently serves as an advisor in the group.
The Erie Zoo invites the public to stay tuned for updates on the kittens' development and future opportunities to see them. The zoo will provide regular updates on its social media channels and website in the coming weeks.