A Manitoba lynx that was rescued and brought to Ontario has been diagnosed with a new condition. Lumi the lynx was discovered near Swan River at the end of August, where she was found injured and surrounded by dogs. The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile des Chênes, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg, took in the lynx after suspecting that her mother might have been hurt or killed.
Due to a significant eye injury, Lumi was deemed unfit for release back into the wild. In October, her health took a downturn as she began experiencing severe seizures, according to Zoe Nakata, the executive director of Wildlife Haven. Despite winning the hearts of the staff, the seizures posed a serious threat to Lumi’s well-being.
Efforts were made to manage Lumi’s seizures through medication, but the root cause was unknown. Consequently, a decision was made to undergo an MRI and a comprehensive neurology assessment. Nakata highlighted the uniqueness of conducting such tests on a lynx, emphasizing that it was not a common occurrence in Manitoba.
Lumi was transported to Guelph, Ontario, accompanied by Nakata and another Wildlife Haven staff member in late January. With the assistance of the National Wildlife Centre and the Ontario Veterinary College, Lumi underwent an MRI, neurology evaluation, and blood analysis. The tests revealed that Lumi’s seizures were likely triggered by trauma-induced epilepsy, stemming from a brain injury sustained during the eye incident.
Nakata mentioned that Lumi will require lifelong medication to manage the seizures. Despite this, knowing the underlying cause enables the team to provide more effective care for the lynx. Lumi is expected to be relocated to the Assiniboine Park Zoo in the future, once her care plan is finalized.
The expenses associated with Lumi’s diagnosis and treatment amounted to approximately $10,000, covered by generous donors. Nakata emphasized the financial challenges of caring for wildlife, with daily expenses averaging around $50 per animal.
As Lumi settles back into her enclosure, the staff have enhanced her living space with additional perches for enrichment. Although her relocation to the zoo was delayed due to the seizures, plans are in place for her permanent residency there. Nakata expressed satisfaction in being part of Lumi’s journey towards a better quality of life.