The Minnesota Zoo announced Wednesday that three Canada lynx were born earlier this year to a new mother, who has recently died.
The zoo says that on May 14, the lynx couple, Torvi and Cad Bane, welcomed three kittens, one male and two females. Torvi and Cad Bane were both first-time parents.
Courtesy: MN Zoo
Courtesy: MN Zoo
Courtesy: MN Zoo
Courtesy: MN Zoo
All three kittens have been out of the public’s view over the last few months, achieving important developmental milestones and given a clean bill of health at their checkups. The zoo named the two females Freya and Ingrid and expects them to make their public debut later this summer. Their brother has since been transferred to another institution and will not appear at the Minnesota Zoo.
Courtesy: MN Zoo
Courtesy: MN Zoo
Courtesy: MN Zoo
Courtesy: MN Zoo
Courtesy: MN Zoo
Courtesy: MN Zoo
While the zoo says it was happy to celebrate the kittens’ arrival, it is also devastated to share that their mother, Torvi, has since passed away. According to the Minnesota Zoo, Torvi developed a “rare medical condition” shortly after the kittens were born.
While efforts were made to improve her condition, the Minnesota Zoo said Torvi continued to worsen, and the decision was made to euthanize her due to her poor prognosis.
“Torvi was an exceptional first-time mother who gave her kittens a wonderful start,” said Breanne Barney, curator of the Tropics and Minnesota Trails. “While we’re heartbroken by her loss, we’re grateful to see the kittens continue to thrive. Their resilience is a testament to the outstanding care provided by our Animal Care and Health teams.”
The Canada lynx is a rare native species in Minnesota, with only a small breeding population in the northeastern part of the state. While it is uncommon in Minnesota, the species can be found across the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska.
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