Marshfield Zoo Announces Passing of Lynx

Saturday, August 24th, 2024 -- 8:45 AM

The City of Marshfield Parks and Recreation Department announces the passing of Lexi, the female lynx at Wildwood Zoo, with the utmost sadness. At the time of her death, Lexi was 19.5 years old and considered to be a geriatric cat. A full veterinary exam was scheduled after she was observed behaving atypically and uninterested in food. During her tranquilized exam, Lexi struggled to tolerate the anesthesia, and the difficult decision was made to euthanize her. This was done as a quality-of-life decision. She had several preexisting conditions, including a heart murmur, diabetes, kidney disease, and arthritis, that had been successfully managed for years. Lexi loved napping in the sunshine, rolling in fresh mulch, and playing with feathers.  She will be greatly missed for her independent spirit and tenacity. At 19 years, Lexi had far surpassed the average lifespan of lynxes under human care and their wild counterparts.

Lexi had lived at Wildwood Zoo since February 2010, when she was transferred from a zoo in Minnesota. She shared the wildcat exhibit with Bets, the senior bobcat who passed last month. While we lost the two cats in a short period of time, the two are not related in any way. As our team moves forward, the wildcat exhibit will be considered for future consideration.

Over the course of the past year or so, Wildwood Zoo has said goodbye to a high number of animals. This has been a difficult time for our staff and visitors, who have grown attached to our zoo residents.  As a testament to the care they receive here, the losses have been heavily comprised of seniors who are facing age-related illnesses and complications. While it certainly doesn’t make it easier to lose an animal, knowing they lived a long, happy, and healthy life here is a comfort. As always, the Parks and Recreation staff appreciates everyone's continued support of Wildwood Park and Zoo.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.