Triple celebrations as lynx kitten triplets are born at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Friday 27 July 2012
One proud set of parents at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo have three reasons to celebrate this summer – following the birth of lynx kitten triplets.
The all-girl trio, born in June to parents Maja and Timo, have spent the last few weeks tucked up in their den but have just begun to explore outside.
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Now they are big enough to venture out on their own, the playful kittens can be spotted perched on logs and playing hide and seek with each other in the long grass while mum keeps a close watch.
Senior keeper Carole Day said: “Mum’s doing a sterling job of looking after all three kittens. They are starting to become more adventurous and independent and are having lots of fun exploring their paddock.”
The triplets are the second litter to be born to Whipsnade’s rare European Lynx – one of Europe’s largest predators. They were born blind and helpless, weighing between 8.5oz and 15oz and will reach adult-size at around two-years-old.
Whipsnade’s kittens are already showing off their distinctive pointed ears and large padded paws but won’t develop their spotted markings for another few months yet.
Known as crepuscular species, European Lynx are most active at dawn and dusk and the kittens are no exception – keepers at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo see the cheeky trio playing most often at the beginning and end of the day.
The lynx aren't the only proud parents this summer - ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has also welcomed a baby saki monkey and twin baby moose !
Visitor information
With so much to see and do, a visit to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is the perfect day out in Bedfordshire for people of all ages.
Only an hour from London.
Our Visitor Information page has all the information you need to plan your day.
