Project Update
Young lynx from Karlsruhe undergoing health checks
«Supporting the lynx population in BW requires suitable infrastructure. Karlsruhe Zoo is an important partner in this regard, with its reintroduction enclosure and the opportunity to release lynxes born here for the first time in the state»
© Timo Deible/Zoo Karlsruhe
Baden-Württemberg, Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection, 4 July 2025:
«Only healthy and vigorous animals are selected for the establishment and development of a stable lynx population in Baden-Württemberg. The lynxes born at Karlsruhe Zoo in early May 2025, which are eligible for the state's population support project, were examined for the first time today. In addition to a health check and vaccination, the sex of the animals, a female lynx and a male lynx, was determined. If both animals continue to develop so well, they could be selected next year to support the lynx population in Baden-Württemberg and make an important contribution to the preservation and enrichment of European biodiversity. Karlsruhe Zoo has once again proven that it plays a key role in preparing for the release of more lynxes and is therefore an important partner for the entire project, for which I would like to express my sincere thanks for its competent support,» said Peter Hauk MdL, Minister of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection, on Friday (4 July) during the initial examination of the juveniles at Karlsruhe Zoo.
Zoo Director Prof. Dr. Matthias Reinschmidt added: «It would be fantastic for us as a zoo if these two juveniles could be released into the wild next year.»
Karlsruhe Zoo participates in the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP) – better known as the European Conservation Breeding Programme – for the Carpathian lynx. This is the lynx subspecies that is currently being reintroduced in Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia and Saxony. As the species is highly endangered in Central Europe, the Baden-Württemberg Lynx Project was launched in 2023. By the end of 2027, up to ten lynxes, especially females, are to be released into the Black Forest.
Due to the natural immigration of fewer exclusively male lynxes from Switzerland, this is referred to as population support in Baden-Württemberg. «The lynx offspring from zoological institutions are important for genetically enriching the population in the wild and, through the release of female animals, for ensuring offspring,» said Eva Klebelsberg, head of the state project at the Baden-Württemberg Forest Research Institute (FVA). The state government, scientific institutions such as the FVA, Karlsruhe Zoo, WWF Germany, the State Hunting Association and the Baden-Württemberg Lynx Initiative are working closely together to support the lynx population and ensure the necessary acceptance in Baden-Württemberg.
Just last March, the new coordination enclosure for lynxes was opened at the Oberwald Animal Park, a branch of the Karlsruhe Zoo. Here, lynxes are prepared for possible release into the wild. In a few months, the latest offspring will also be introduced to life in the wild in this new enclosure. Their behaviour will be observed. «Only lynxes that show fear of humans and dogs are suitable for release into the wild. Lynxes do not need to learn how to hunt and can rely on their innate instincts in the wild,» said Eva Klebelsberg. So far, three lynxes have been released into the Black Forest as part of the state project. More animals are to follow this year if possible.
Background
«Lynx Baden-Württemberg – Supporting the lynx population in Baden-Württemberg and neighbouring regions» is a project run by the Baden-Württemberg Forest Research Institute (FVA) in cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg State Hunting Association, WWF Germany and Karlsruhe Zoo.
The project is also supported by the HIT Environmental and Nature Conservation Foundation and the Baden-Württemberg Lynx Initiative. It is commissioned by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs and Consumer Protection (MLR). The European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for Carpathian lynx is coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA).
The project is supported by the Linking Lynx network, which is dedicated to the conservation, monitoring and management of the Carpathian lynx. The long-term goal is to create a viable metapopulation in Europe, stretching from the Carpathians to the Jura, the Western Alps and the Dinaric Mountains.
More information about lynxes and the project can be found on the Baden-Württemberg wildlife portal (in German).