Carlo and Baron released into the wild

29.08.2025

Carlo comes from Karlsruhe Zoo, where he grew up in a large, natural enclosure without direct contact with humans. After arriving in Thuringia, he initially spent some time in the reintroduction enclosure to get used to his new surroundings. As of today, he roams freely through the Thuringian Forest and belongs to the group of lynxes that have been released into the wild so far: Frieda, Viorel, Vreni, Kilian and Ionel.

Carlo will be monitored for a year with the aid of a GPS transmitter, which will provide insights into his use of space and behaviour. The collar will then fall off automatically. Only reliable data will allow an assessment of how successful the project is and whether a stable lynx population can be established in the Thuringian Forest in the long term. In addition, camera traps regularly provide insights into the animals‘ lives: for example, the lynx Frieda was recently captured on a wildlife camera near the Ruppberg. Data from Ionel, Kilian and Viorel also confirm that they have settled well into their new environment.

Together with Carlo, the young lynx ‘Baron’ was also released back into the wild. He had been spotted in the Bockstadt area in June and appeared emaciated. In consultation with the relevant authorities and local hunters, the ‘Lynx Thuringia’ project team decided to capture him and take him into care. Thanks to the dedicated care provided by Worbis Bear Park, Baron recovered quickly: the one-year-old male now weighs 14 kilograms and is fit to return to the wild.

The coming weeks and months will show whether he will be able to find his way back into the wild. The project team is glad that we were able to give him a new chance. It is now entirely up to him to seize it.