Lynx Rikki” is here! Symbol for species protection arrived in the Harz

Lynx Rikki” is here! Symbol for species protection arrived in the Harz

There is reason to be happy in the Harz National Park: With the lynx “Rikki”, a new resident has enriched the area at the Rabenklippe. The arrival of the shy big cat is celebrated as a small success in species conservation because it comes from Ukraine and was brought to Germany through a complex transport. Those responsible for the Harz lynx project are relieved that everything went smoothly.

Rikki has completed a 30-day quarantine at the Sachsenhagen Wildlife and Species Conservation Station, where her health was thoroughly checked. National park director Dr. Roland Pietsch and Ole Anders, the project supervisor, were personally present to ensure that the lynx arrived safely at her new home. “The transport was a real challenge, but we are pleased that everything went well,” says Ole Anders.

A complex transport

Getting there was anything but easy. Rikki was picked up after a three day journey from Kyiv via Poland. The transport was organized by a Dutch specialist company that is well equipped for such delicate operations. “Due to the current geopolitical developments in Ukraine, air transport was not possible,” says Ole Anders, explaining the difficulties in the organization. “Transportation by land required various permits and veterinary inspections.”

The relevant authorities in Germany were ready to find solutions if problems arose during transport. There were numerous bureaucratic hurdles to overcome, from export conditions to language difficulties at the borders. “We had hours of communication trying to make sure everything went smoothly,” Anders continued.

Hope for offspring

After her arrival, Rikki now lives in the national park's large outdoor enclosure, where she has enough space to hunt and reproduce. Planning for the lynx's exciting preparatory phase is already underway as the mating season is approaching. “We hope for lynx offspring in May or June 2026,” says Dr. Pietsch is optimistic and sees this as a further step towards stabilizing the lynx population in Germany.

Rikki's arrival is seen as a visible sign of the importance of species protection and the responsibility we have towards endangered species. “It is important to us not only to protect the animal world with the lynx project, but also to increase people's awareness of these wonderful animals,” concludes Anders thoughtfully.

The arrival of the lynx Rikki will certainly inspire many nature lovers and conservationists to do more to protect nature and its inhabitants. An exciting chapter for the Harz National Park has begun!

You can find more information about Rikki's trip and the Harz National Park at News 38 and Harz National Park.