What kind of cats are these? They are the northernmost of all felines—lynxes! Their light, fluffy pelts with reddish hues and spots, massive paws, sideburns, distinctive dark tail tips, and tufts of hair on their ears make them unique. Lynxes are excellent climbers, but they sneak up on their prey rather than pounce from above. At the zoo, they enjoy hunting unsuspecting birds and are delighted when staff bring them special toys.

When best to watch them: year-round, in the afternoon and at dusk.

Watch the livestream at onlinezoo.moscow every day from 07:30 to 21:00 (MSK, Moscow Standard Time). Or come to the zoo to see them in person!

Lynxes are native to the forests and mountains of Europe and Asia. In particular, they can be found in Siberia. They are well adapted to snow and cold: their thick, fluffy coats protect them from freezing, and their powerful paws prevent them from sinking into the snow. Their dense fur even grows between the pads of their toes.

In the wild, lynxes choose their own territory, and it then becomes their permanent habitat. They hunt at dusk, preying on small ungulates, hares, grouse, and occasionally small rodents. For shelter, they prefer fallen branches, thickets in swamps, shallow hollows, and the roots of fallen trees.

The Moscow Zoo is home to an amazingly friendly family of East Siberian lynxes, consisting of a male named Chip, a female named Gaika, and their three kittens. This is a unique case because, in the wild, lynxes are known to be solitary animals. That makes watching this natural wonder even more fascinating. Come visit us in person, or join the livestream!

Old Grounds, "Cat Row" exhibit, next to the leopard enclosure

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