Wangari and Lana released into the Wild

13.08.2026

Together with Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) and Thuringia’s Environment Minister Tilo Kummer (BSW), the two female lynx, Wangari and Lana, were released into the wild today.

The two released female lynx are just over a year old and come from the breeding program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Wangari was born at the Zurich Wildlife Park (Switzerland), while Lana was born at the Han-sur-Lesse Zoo (Belgium). They spent the last few months before their release in the so-called “coordination enclosure” at the Hütscheroda Wildcat Village. There, lynx from zoological facilities are prepared for life in the wild. This process includes, among other things, a veterinary examination and a behavioral test to ensure that the animals are shy and avoid humans. After a final transport to the reintroduction enclosure in the central forest, where the animals were able to acclimate for a few more weeks, the two are now exploring their new habitat.