From Langnau am Albis to Hütscheroda
The Coordination Enclosure on the Outskirts of Hainich National Park
Not every lynx born in a zoo can be released into the wild. The animals' health and behavior are thoroughly assessed in advance. The lynxes must not become too accustomed to humans. At the Hütscheroda Wildcat Village (Germany), there is a special coordination enclosure that is not accessible to visitors. This serves as an important stopover for the lynx from the Wildnispark Zurich.
The lynx enclosure at the Wildnispark Zurich is one of the few in Europe where young lynx can be prepared for an independent life in the wild. They are raised with as little human contact as possible and are fed only prey that matches what they would find in the wild—for example, roe deer and red deer, complete with fur and hide.
At the Hütscheroda Wildcat Village, the young lynx receive their final training
At around one year of age, the young lynx that are eligible for release into the wild are brought to the Hütscheroda Wildcat Village. In this so-called coordination enclosure, young lynx from various specialized zoos are kept as far away from humans as possible for several months and further prepared for release into the wild. The lynxes’ behavior is also closely examined once again: How do they behave around people and dogs? Are they shy enough? And are they completely healthy?
Only when all the key requirements are met are the lynx transferred to suitable wilderness release projects.
→ Learn more about the coordination enclosure at Wildkatzendorf
