New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“New Bedford, Massachusetts: The Buttonwood Park Zoo is proud to announce the birth of two Canada Lynx kittens, one male, one female, on May 4th, 2024. This is the first successful litter for eleven-year-old female Canada lynx, Sylvie and thirteen-year-old male, Hutch.
Born covered in fur, but with closed ears and eyes, the kittens remained behind the scenes with Sylvie as they developed. At two weeks their eyes opened, and at approximately eight weeks old they had their first evaluation by BPZOO’s veterinarian staff.
BP ZOO photo.
“Both kittens are healthy, very curious, and great climbers,” said Dr. Emmy Budas, BPZOO’s veterinarian. “Their personalities were on full display during the exam, with the female showing her sweet and gentle side, while her brother was full of spunk and not afraid to speak his mind.”
The veterinarian and animal care team have also been impressed with how attentive Sylvie has been as a first-time mom.
Sylvie arrived at BPZOO in 2014 based on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Hutch arrived in 2021 after the passing of the beloved Calgary, a male Canada lynx who called BPZOO home for 11 years. The goal of the SSP is to cooperatively manage lynx populations within AZA accredited zoos to ensure a healthy and genetically diverse population.
There are currently 65 Canada lynx residing in 28 AZA accredited institutions, including the four here at BPZOO.
The kittens are now beginning to explore the habitat, which is located just beyond the bison pasture.”-Buttonwood Park Zoo.
BP ZOO photo.
BP ZOO photo.
BP ZOO photo.
