A Manitoba lynx, named Lumi, underwent a new assessment in Ontario following her rescue. Lumi was discovered near Swan River in late August, injured and surrounded by dogs, leading rescuers to believe her mother was harmed or deceased. The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile des Chênes, located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg, took in the lynx. Due to significant eye damage, she was deemed unfit for release back into the wild. In October, Lumi experienced severe seizures, prompting the Wildlife Haven executive director, Zoe Nakata, to express concerns about her well-being.
Efforts were made to manage Lumi’s seizures with medication at the centre, but the root cause remained unknown. A decision was made to conduct an MRI and a comprehensive neurology evaluation. Nakata mentioned the uniqueness of such procedures for a lynx, highlighting the collaborative effort with the National Wildlife Centre and the Ontario Veterinary College. Test results indicated that Lumi likely suffers from trauma-induced epilepsy, stemming from a brain injury associated with her eye trauma.
Lumi will require lifelong medication to control her seizures, but understanding the underlying issue will enable the team to deliver optimal care. While lynxes can live up to 14 years in the wild or 26 years in captivity, Lumi is destined for relocation to the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The trip to Ontario, costing around $10,000, was funded by generous donors. Nakata emphasized the privilege of being part of Lumi’s journey and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to care for these animals.
Currently, with approximately 50 animals at the facility, the centre continues its mission of rehabilitating wildlife for eventual release. Lumi’s return to her enclosure was accompanied by additional enrichments to support her climbing and jumping activities. Despite the delay in her relocation due to seizure diagnosis, plans are underway to make the Assiniboine Park Zoo her permanent home. Nakata praised Lumi’s resilience and contentment in her current environment, highlighting the importance of a stable care plan for her well-being.
