Rare Canada Lynx Born at Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford announced today the birth of Hudson, a male Canada Lynx kitten.

Hudson was born on May 12, 2026, the second successful litter for 13-year-old female Sylvie and 15-year-old male Hutch.

Meet Hudson: Buttonwood Park Zoo's Newest Addition

Now about six weeks old, Hudson – named for Canada’s Hudson Bay – recently had his first evaluation by the zoo’s veterinary staff.

“We are very excited about the birth of this little male lynx kitten,” said BPZOO Veterinarian Dr. Emmy Budas. “It was so rewarding watching the previous pair of kittens grow up, but bittersweet when we sent them off to their new homes earlier this year. We are happy to share that he is in excellent health thanks to the wonderful care from his mother, Sylvie, and we are thrilled to be a part of his growth and development.”

The zoo said Hudson is “just beginning to explore the habitat” and “may be visible for brief periods of time throughout the day.”

Mom Sylvie has been at Buttonwood Park Zoo since 2014. Hutch arrived in 2021. They had their first litter in 2024, as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan.

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A Critical Step for a Threatened Species

Canada Lynx are listed as “Threatened” under the United States Endangered Species Act. There are currently only 120 Canda Lynx residing in 58 AZA-accredited institutions, including the three at Buttonwood Park Zoo.

“One of the most rewarding parts of being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is the opportunity to contribute to programs like Species Survival,” BPZOO Director Shara Rapoza said. “By working with partner organizations to cooperatively manage lynx populations, we are able to ensure a healthy and genetically diverse population throughout AZA.”