Real cat facts

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 Week 3- Obervation

The Lion House was one part of the zoo that I was stationed to observe last week. Ironically, I had chosen it to see if my perception of it would differ from my first disapproving impression, 4 years ago. With all the grandeur that it evoked at the turn of the Century, I find that it is the most somber part of the zoo today. Perhaps the architecture was renowned at the time, (admittedly, the interior structure is quite beautiful, with the elevated ceilings, curvature, and gold framing of the gates) but it was only constructed ideally for the audience- I really cannot imagine that there was much consideration to the wild cats, as the limitation of space is quite absurd. 

While there, what caught my eye was the emptiness the room conveyed. Most of the cats were not present, or if they were, they were hiding. One cat that seemed especially out of its element was the Eurasian lynx, pacing back and forth anxiously.

In the zoo

At each display exhibit, there is a synopsis of general facts for each cat species. The lynx, however, was different in that it provided what the others did, i.e, general location on the map, scientific name, etc. but it also included an odd “cat fact” that really had nothing to do with the Eurasian lynx at all!

It read as follows:

“Zoos provide a safe haven for endangered species, which receive expert health care and scientifically balanced diets. When managed through a species survival plan, animals may be recommended to breed, reinforcing populations that may be dwindling.”

I was astounded!

Did somebody proofread this “fact”? Where does the Eurasian Lynx come into play? I felt that this was more of an ego trip on part of the zoo, claiming “superior” care.  Brushing off this flaw, I decided to give the lynx it’s fair share of fame by dedicating my observation to it.

So here goes with neat facts:

1.           Eurasian lynx’s, as beautiful as they are, are actually the third largest predator in Europe, after the brown bear and grey wolf.

2.           They are the largest species of lynx’s

3.           They have three main coat patterns: predominantly spotted, predominantly striped, or unpatterned

4.           It can prey on animals four times its size

5.           It has dense fur paws that allow it to trek through deep snow in the winter

6.           Located in Asia, Europe, Himalayas, and Russia

7.           Found in a range of habitats such as mountains, taiga, and temperate grassland

8.           It’s conservation status is under “Least Concern”, however the numbers have dwindled steadily in Western Europe

I also learned that deer are its main prey, and will eat smaller animals if necessary, such as rodents and hares. When it comes to reproduction, females have their first litter around 20-24 months, being independent at just 10 months. When females are around fourteen years old, they will endure their last reproductive stage (on average). 

In the wild

In conclusion, the Eurasian Lynx is definitely worthy of more legitimate cat facts in the Lion House. I hope this gets revised soon! - Michelle

Links: http://lynx.uio.no/jon/lynx/eulynx1.htm#02,  http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Eurasian_Lynx#p00btw4b