Wild lynx are endangered, and their natural habitats are under pressure. In Europe, populations are small and live in isolation from one another. This increases the risk of inbreeding. To ensure genetic exchange, populations are deliberately connected through reintroduction programs. The Wildnispark Zurich is participating in these conservation efforts: Since 2024, several lynx born at the Langenberg Wildlife Park have been released into the wild in Germany to better connect isolated populations.

The Project

With its spacious lynx enclosure, the Wildnispark Zurich is already one of the few European zoos that meets the conditions required to prepare lynx for reintroduction. For young lynx to survive in the wild, they must remain shy! Housing the animals under these conditions is labor-intensive: The animals must not associate food with humans or livestock. This requires special feeding stations, and only wild game meat is provided. The young lynx must undergo regular medical examinations. To capture them without causing stress, gentle capture devices are required. 

Renovation of the reintroduction centre

In order to capture the young lynx as gently as possible and prepare them for transport, we would like to carry out structural alterations to the lynx enclosure at the Langenberg Wildlife Park and expand it with a new reintroduction centre. Until now, we have been using the old cat enclosure for this purpose. However, it is now showing its age and is not ideal as a long-term solution. That is why the Wildnispark Zurich has launched the ‘Leap into Freedom’ project.

Thank you for your support

Every contribution helps pave the way for the lynxes to freedom. Thank you! Here you can donate directly to the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation for this project via Twint, Google Pay, or credit card. The Friends of the Wildnispark Zurich support this project and are currently collecting donations for it.