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Project Name: Care and Reintroduction of a Subadult Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) in Croatia

Partners: Zagreb Zoo, Risnjak National Park (NP Risnjak), Public Institution Priroda (JU Priroda), Croatian Agency for the Environment and Nature (HAOP), University of Zagreb Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Energy, Vinodol Hunting Association, Bribir, Crikvenica Veterinary Clinic, Intervention Team for Wolves and Lynxes

Project Commencement Year: 2017

Status: Completed

Species: Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) globally

Status in Croatia (Red List): Critically Endangered (CR)

The rehabilitation project for a young, abandoned Eurasian lynx named Martin marked Croatia’s first successful reintroduction of this critically endangered species into its natural habitat. This groundbreaking initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various organizations and experts.

The primary goal of the project was to ensure a safe and gradual return of the lynx to the wild, maintaining his ability to survive independently and avoiding habituation to human presence.

Ex Situ Procedures: Care and Supervision in a Controlled Environment

When a local hunter discovered the abandoned lynx cub in a forest near Bribir, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Energy’s Intervention Team for Wolves and Lynxes coordinated the rescue. Martin was initially taken to a veterinary clinic in Crikvenica for emergency medical care and then transferred to Zagreb Zoo, where he received critical support during the early stages of rehabilitation.

At the zoo, Martin was housed in specially designed indoor and outdoor enclosures that closely mimicked his natural environment. A strict isolation protocol was implemented to minimize human contact—a key measure to prevent him from associating humans with food or safety, which is essential for his eventual independence in the wild.

During his stay in this controlled environment, the team employed a no-contact feeding technique that relied on indirect methods to meet Martin’s nutritional needs, avoiding any association between humans and food. A video surveillance system allowed staff to monitor his health without direct interaction. Proper care and monitoring during this period ensured the lynx’s physical recovery while preserving his natural behaviors.

Preparing for Reintroduction: Enclosure Construction and Soft Release

After his recovery at Zagreb Zoo, Martin was relocated to Risnjak National Park (NP Risnjak), where a specialized enclosure was constructed for a “soft release” process. This approach allowed him to gradually adapt to outdoor conditions before returning to the wild.

The enclosure was designed according to indirect wildlife management protocols and equipped with a live prey delivery system to encourage the young lynx’s natural hunting instincts. This method minimized the risk of Martin developing a dependence on humans or associating them with food, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful reintroduction.

During his preparation for release, Martin was fitted with a GPS collar, allowing experts to monitor his movements and behavior post-release.

In Situ Phase: Monitoring and Reintroduction Success

Martin’s release from his enclosure in Risnjak National Park in early 2018 marked the end of the active rehabilitation phase and the beginning of in situ monitoring in the wild. Using GPS technology, researchers were able to closely track his movements, gaining valuable insights into his adaptation to the natural environment. The data confirmed a successful reintegration: Martin consistently avoided human settlements and established himself in the forested areas of Gorski Kotar and Slovenia. This behavior demonstrated that the project had effectively preserved his natural instincts and wild behavior.

Legacy and National Collaboration

This pioneering project laid a strong foundation for future lynx conservation efforts in Croatia. The protocols and methodologies developed during Martin’s rehabilitation now serve as a model for future lynx care and reintroduction programs.

This landmark project highlighted how the synergy of scientific, technical, and practical expertise can preserve Croatia’s natural heritage and set new standards for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of wildlife in the country

Summary:

The project for the care and reintroduction of an abandoned Eurasian lynx cub marked the first successful initiative of its kind in Croatia. It set new standards for lynx rehabilitation and release, emphasizing minimal human contact to preserve the animal’s natural instincts and behaviors essential for survival in the wild.