Translocation

Finja comes from a wildlife enclosure in the German state of «Thüringen». She was prepared for her release into the wild in «Rheinland-Pfalz» and met all the genetic, health and behavioural requirements.

Finja was released in an area of suitable habitat where no female lynx had previously been recorded. Male lynx have repeatedly immigrated to Baden-Württemberg, especially from Switzerland. With the release of Finja, there are hopes that she will breed with a wild male. This reintroduced lynx population would then contribute towards the stepping stone populations to connect the individual European lynx populations. For the long-term survival of the species in Central Europe, connecting these isolated populations is crucial.

The state government of Baden-Württemberg authorities such as the FVA, as well as the WWF Germany, the Karlsruhe Zoo and the state hunting association worked together to release Finja into the wild. Linking Lynx protocols were implemented during the release. The plan is to release up to nine more female lynx into the wild in the same area by 2027.

To the press release of the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection Baden-Württemberg.