Common Name: Canada Lynx
Scientific Name: Lynx canadensis
Gender: Male
Birth Date: April 1998
History: Beginning early in 1998, the Animal Ark began a nationwide search for an adult female companion for Chinook the Canada Lynx. Chinook was lonely and would not warm up to volunteers or staff. He had been quite happy in the past with his female companions and was clearly in need of a friend to enrich his life. After a dead-end search, it was finally decided to locate a female kitten instead. The ensuing “captive-bred” wildlife search provided the co-founders with a glimpse into the animal trade where lynx and bobcats are raised in small wire floor cages and sold as pets or for their pelts. After several false starts, two sickly kittens were obtained that required extensive care. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Scott Thompson, his wife, and two volunteers, Dale Hildebrandt and Sandy Lowery, both kittens survived. Unfortunately at age three, the female suddenly died which was likely due to her rough start in life.

Common Name: Canada Lynx
Scientific Name: Lynx canadensis
Gender: Male
Birth Date: May 2, 1989
History: Chinook was donated to the Animal Ark on June 11, 1997. His prior home had been a compound for rare and endangered felines. After Chinook’s mate passed away, his owners felt he would do well here as an exhibit animal, and that the Ark was capable of offering a suitable home. The Canada lynx survives mainly in Canada, but is currently under the protection of the Endangered Species Act in some of the lower forty-eight states. Feeding mainly on the snowshoe hare, this cat’s large feet carry it gracefully across the snow as if it were wearing snowshoes.

Common Name: Canada Lynx
Scientific Name: Lynx canadensis
Gender: Male
Birth Date: Sring, 1999
History: Animal Ark’s first encounter with Legend was in early 2000 when he was presented to the sanctuary after confiscation by California Fish and Game due to illegal possession. He had been initially purchased as a pet from a breeder in eastern Nevada. The original owner sought to have the cat returned to her with plans to place the animal into private ownership with an individual capable of providing a good environment here in Nevada. Because animals are considered property, California Fish and Game officials decided to return the lynx, with conditions to the owner, rather than go to court. After 8 years, plans changed with the new owner. Legend was very well cared for, but due to a work situation, his owner could no longer commit to Legend’s long term care. On June 6, 2008, Legend returned to Animal Ark.