Meet Cruz, the Zoo’s new male Canada lynx
We are thrilled to formally introduce the newest addition to Garman Family Arctic Edge!
Meet Cruz, the Buffalo Zoo’s new male Canada lynx who arrived from NEW Zoo in Green Bay, Wisconsin on a Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums!
Cruz, who turned 1 year old on May 4, has been paired up with our resident female Canada lynx Rosie (9) with the hope that the pair will successfully breed in the future.
While Cruz is just now being introduced on social media, you may already be acquainted with him if you recently visited the Zoo! He has had access to our Canada lynx habitat for the past few weeks, exploring diligently and getting very comfortable with his surroundings.
Keepers have noted that Cruz is a very curious young lynx, and loves interacting with guests near exhibit viewpoints. In fact, he’s been seen adorably pawing at visitors at the windows of our Arctic Interpretive Center, so be sure to keep a close eye out for him!
Just this week, Cruz and Rosie began sharing their habitat together after physical introductions were conducted in recent weeks, and the two are getting along great!
Species Survival Plan recommendations like the one that brought Cruz and Rosie together are rooted in conservation and ensuring species can thrive well into the future.
While the global conservation status of Canada lynx are listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, their segmented populations within the contiguous United States are considered threatened.
Some of the dangers to Canada lynx populations include climate change, habitat fragmentation and the loss of its primary prey, the snowshoe hare.
Cruz’s arrival in Buffalo will not only help in the mission to protect Canada lynx, but also educate our visitors on the conservation of their wild populations.
Cruz and Rosie are expected to be on habitat together regularly going forward, so be sure to welcome Cruz to Buffalo during your next visit!
