A young lynx has captured the hearts of many in Manitoba and is starting a new chapter.
Lumi, a rescued baby lynx cared for by Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, has officially moved to her new home at Assiniboine Park Zoo, where she will live permanently.
A purr-manent home
Zoe Nakata, executive director at Wildlife Haven, says Lumi arrived at their facility last August after a traumatic start to life.
“She came in after her mother was killed and she had also been injured in a dog attack,” Nakata says.
“There were lots of complications along the way — an injured eye and seizures that were diagnosed to epilepsy.”
Due to those health challenges, Lumi was deemed non-releasable, meaning she would not be able to survive in the wild.
“When an animal is non-releasable and we know they’re going to be in human care for the rest of their life, we allow ourselves to become a bit more attached,” she says.
“That’s what happened with Lumi as soon as we knew she wouldn’t survive in the wild. Then we, as a team, named her and started making sure she was comfortable with humans.”
After months of rehabilitation, Wildlife Haven worked with Assiniboine Park Zoo to find Lumi a forever home.
“We’ve been working with Assiniboine Zoo for many years. They’re accredited and concentrate on conservation initiatives,” says Nakata.
Best friends fur-ever
Lumi’s move to Winnipeg came with a unique send-off.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who had previously visited Lumi, drove her to her new home.
“He really connected with her. We loaded Lumi up into her crate in the Premier’s car and drove her all the way to the zoo.”
While the move was emotional for staff, Nakata describes it as more of a “see you later” than a goodbye.
“We’re still going to be visiting with her. But the hospital feels a little bit empty without her, that’s for sure,” Nakata says.
Lumi is currently in quarantine and undergoing further assessments, meaning it may take some time before the public can see her at the zoo.
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Baby shower
Meanwhile, Wildlife Haven is preparing for its busiest season.
Spring in Manitoba is an eventful time when animals return, wake from hibernation or give birth.
“There’s a lot happening in nature and, unfortunately, that means we get busier with animals that are orphaned, sick or injured and need our help.”
To help meet that demand, the organization is having a “baby shower,” encouraging the public to donate supplies through an online registry.
An in-person event is planned for May 2, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the facility and its work.
“Bring a gift for the patients, for the babies, and help us help these animals return to the wild,” Nakata says.
With files from Corny Rempel