Translocation
Wangari and Lana Released into the Wild
As of today, two more female lynx have joined the population in the Thuringian Forest. Since the project began, a total of 9 animals (4 females / 5 males) have been released into the wild. The two female lynx, Wangari and Lana, were released today in the presence of Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) and Thuringia’s Environment Minister Tilo Kummer (BSW).
© Luchs Thüringen, Max Kesberger
Press Release: Project Luchs Thuringia, August 13, 2026:
The two female lynx that were released into the wild are just over a year old and come from the breeding program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Wangari was born at the Zurich Wildlife Park (Switzerland), and Lana was born at the Han-sur-Lesse Zoo (Belgium). They spent the last few months before their release in the so-called coordination enclosure at the Hütscheroda Wildcat Village. There, lynx from zoos are prepared for life in the wild. This includes, among other things, a veterinary examination and a behavioral test to ensure that the animals are shy and avoid humans. After a final transport to the reintroduction enclosure in the central forest, where the animals were able to acclimate for a few more weeks, the two are now exploring their new habitat.