A Manitoba lynx that was rescued recently has been given a new diagnosis after being taken to Ontario. Lumi, the lynx, was discovered near Swan River in late August, surrounded by dogs and with an injured eye. It is suspected that her mother may have been harmed or killed in the incident.
The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, located in Ile des Chênes, approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg, took in the lynx and found that the damage to her eye was permanent, making it impossible to release her back into the wild. In October, Lumi’s condition worsened when she began experiencing severe seizures, posing a threat to her health and survival, according to Zoe Nakata, the executive director of Wildlife Haven.
Efforts were made to manage Lumi’s seizures with medication, but the exact cause was unknown. Consequently, a decision was made to conduct an MRI and a comprehensive neurology assessment. Nakata mentioned that such procedures on a lynx are rare and cannot be performed in Manitoba.
In January, Lumi was transported to Guelph, Ontario, accompanied by Nakata and another Wildlife Haven staff member. With the assistance of the National Wildlife Centre and the Ontario Veterinary College, Lumi underwent an MRI, neurology assessment, and blood work. This collaboration with organizations outside the province was a first for Wildlife Haven, as sending an animal for specialized tests out of the province was unprecedented.
The results of the tests indicated that Lumi’s seizures were likely triggered by trauma-induced epilepsy, resulting from a brain injury sustained during the eye injury incident. Although Lumi will require lifelong medication to manage the seizures, understanding the root cause enables the team to provide enhanced care for her.
Sherri Cox, the director of the National Wildlife Centre and a veterinarian involved in Lumi’s case, expressed the uniqueness of having a lynx at their facility. Lynx and bobcats, although closely related, have distinct characteristics, with lynx being larger and having longer ear tufts, typically found in northern regions.
The expenses for Lumi’s journey and tests amounted to around $10,000, covered by generous donors. Nakata highlighted the significant daily costs of caring for each animal at approximately $50 per day.
With plans to relocate Lumi to the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg once her care plan is finalized, the staff at Wildlife Haven have focused on providing a comfortable environment for her. Despite the challenges, they aim to ensure that Lumi leads a stable and content life in her new habitat.
