Another litter for the Carpathian lynx
Three cubs of Germany’s largest cat species can be seen at the Oberrabenstein wildlife enclosure
The pair of lynx at the Oberrabenstein wildlife enclosure have had another litter. Three Carpathian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus) cubs were born on 16 May. After their first few weeks of life, spent well protected, the young lynx are now appearing more and more frequently in the semi-natural enclosure. With a bit of luck, patience and a keen eye, they can be spotted.
Like all felines, lynx cubs are ‘nest-dwellers’. They spend their first few weeks of life well hidden in the den and are rarely seen during this time. The three cubs have now developed splendidly; they are curiously exploring their surroundings and, together with their mother, are undertaking their first forays through the enclosure.
This is already the fourth litter for the breeding pair. The sex of the three cubs is not yet known. This can only be determined with certainty during the forthcoming veterinary examination.
After a gestation period of around 72 days, a female lynx usually gives birth to two to five cubs in a sheltered spot. The mother is solely responsible for rearing them; she nurses her cubs for around five months and cares for them intensively. The male lynx – known as a ‘Kuder’ in hunting terminology – does not participate in rearing the cubs. The cubs remain with their mother until the following spring, before setting out to find their own territory.
With this new litter, the wildlife enclosure is making an important contribution to the conservation of the Carpathian lynx. Last year, a cub born here was released into the wild in the Black Forest. This year, offspring have already been confirmed in the wild there – a positive sign of the lynx’s return to its natural habitat.
Opening hours (April to September)
| Chemnitz Zoo: | daily, | 9 am to 7 pm |
| Oberrabenstein Wildlife Enclosure: | daily, | 9 am to 6 pm |
Last admission and ticket office closes one hour before closing time