Thompson Park Zoo Transfers Canada Lynx 'Chayne' to Pitts­burgh Zoo

The zoo will continue to have some Canada Lynx kittens, so that's good news.

It's also good news that Chayne will help us all learn more about the survival of endangered and threatened species.

Also here's your chance to have an impact on the future of the kittens here in Watertown.

From the Thompson Park Zoo:

On March 20, 2017, the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park’s female Canada Lynx, Chayne, was transferred to Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium to aid AZA’s Species Survival Plan’s breeding program.

Chayne has been with the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park since 2008, arriving as a kitten.  In her time at the Zoo, she has raised two litters of kittens, which contributed to AZA’s Species Survival Plan.  The second litter of kittens was born in 2016.   

The three female kittens of the litter left the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park to serve as conservation and education animal ambassadors in August of 2016.  The two males of the litter will remain on exhibit at the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park with their father, Abe.

The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park is reaching out to the community to assist in naming the two male kittens.  “The two male kittens on exhibit need a name and we need the community’s help.  Staff have four suggestions and we are asking our community to determine the final two names.”  said Lesley Clark, Zoo Director. 

To vote, please visit the Zoo and complete your ballot at the front desk.  Voting ends on April 30^th.  The names of the kittens will premiere on May 6^th during a birthday celebration for the boys.

Chayne’s transfer to Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is at the recommendation of the SSP, or Species Survival Plan®.  The SSP’s mission is to “cooperatively manage specific, and typically threatened or endangered species population within AZA-accredited Zoos and Aquariums, Certified Related Facilities, and Sustainability Partners” (www.aza.org/species-survival-plan-program/). 

Canada Lynx, at one point, were present in New York State but there is no evidence of any remnant population of Canada Lynx at this time (extirpated).  The Canada Lynx is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act as a threatened species and are fully protected by the State of New York and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. 

For more information regarding Canada Lynx, please visit       http://www.fws.gov/Midwest/endangered/mammals/lynx/index.html.

About the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park: The zoo exhibits species that are, or at one time were, native to New York State.  Animals of all shapes and sizes make their home at our 32-acre zoo, including wolverines, bears, eagles, mountain lions and more.  The zoo is dedicated to providing natural world experiences that foster an appreciation of the Empire State's ecosystems through conservation, education, scientific study and responsible recreation.  For more information, please visit www.nyszoo.org.