A Manitoba lynx that was rescued near Swan River and brought to a wildlife center in Ile des Chênes has undergone new medical evaluations in Ontario. Lumi, the lynx, was discovered with an injured eye and surrounded by dogs, leading rescuers to assume her mother was injured or deceased. Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre took Lumi in and discovered that her eye injury was severe, preventing her release back into the wild.

In October, Lumi began experiencing severe seizures, prompting the need for further assessment. The wildlife center staff could not pinpoint the cause of the seizures and decided to transport Lumi to Guelph, Ontario, for an MRI and neurology evaluation, a unique procedure for a lynx.

Tests in Ontario revealed that Lumi’s seizures were likely triggered by trauma-induced epilepsy resulting from a brain injury sustained during the eye incident. Lumi will require lifelong medication to manage the seizures, but understanding the condition allows for better care.

The trip to Ontario cost around $10,000, funded by generous donors, as the rehabilitation center incurs significant expenses caring for animals. Despite the challenges, Lumi has settled back into her enclosure, and plans are in place to relocate her to Assiniboine Park Zoo once her care plan is stable.

The lynx’s health and well-being are closely monitored by the dedicated wildlife center staff, who are committed to providing Lumi with a safe and enriching environment. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Lumi, despite her medical condition, leads a stress-free and content life in her new permanent home at the zoo.