Newquay Zoo’s Lynx Family Gets Bigger with New Litter of Kittens

Adorable lynx kittens born as Cornwall’s most famous cat family grows again

Newquay Zoo has welcomed a new litter of Carpathian lynx kittens, with parents Kicsi and Onyx expanding their family for the second time. The zoo says the birth is another major step in the conservation of one of Europe’s rarest wild cats.

With fewer than 2,300 Carpathian lynx left in the wild, every birth plays an important role in the future of the species.

Cornwall’s Conservation Stars

Kicsi and Onyx are already known as dedicated parents, and their growing family has become a highlight of the zoo’s breeding programme. The kittens are the latest in a line of carefully planned births that contribute to the survival of the species, whether through eventual release or breeding elsewhere in Europe.

Their eldest daughter recently made headlines after being chosen for the Linking Lynx rewilding programme. But after careful monitoring, researchers found she was better suited for breeding than life in the wild. She’s now settled at Zoo Karlsruhe in Germany, where she’ll help raise the next generation of lynx.

John Meek, Curator at Newquay Zoo, said:

“This has given us crucial knowledge that will help us better prepare other lynx for release. Modern conservation is about recognising that every animal has a role to play. While direct release wasn’t right for this particular lynx, she’s contributing to conservation in an equally vital way.”

More Than Just Cute Faces

The experience has helped conservation scientists develop better ways to decide which lynx are most likely to thrive if released into the wild. That knowledge is now being shared with other rewilding projects across Europe.

Newquay Zoo’s breeding work is also focused on maintaining healthy genetic diversity. Whether a kitten ends up roaming free or joins a breeding programme, they’re still part of the larger plan to restore the species.

John added:

“Every visitor to Newquay Zoo is supporting this important work. Our community plays a crucial role in protecting these magnificent cats and helping restore wild populations across Europe.”

Come and Meet Them

The Carpathian lynx is the largest wild cat in Europe but has vanished from much of its native range. Thanks to programmes like the one at Newquay Zoo, it’s slowly making a return.

To book a visit and catch a glimpse of the new arrivals, head to newquayzoo.org.uk.