A Manitoba lynx, named Lumi, underwent a new evaluation after being rescued and brought to Ontario. Lumi was discovered near Swan River in late August, injured and accompanied by dogs, suggesting her mother may have been harmed or killed. Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile des Chênes, situated around 20 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg, took in the lynx and found that her eye injury was too severe for her to be released back into the wild.
Unfortunately, Lumi’s condition worsened in October when she began experiencing severe seizures, posing a threat to her well-being. Zoe Nakata, the executive director of Wildlife Haven, expressed concern over Lumi’s health despite the affection the staff had developed for her. To address this issue, Lumi was medicated to manage the seizures, but the root cause was unknown, prompting the need for an MRI and a comprehensive neurological evaluation.
In a unique move, Lumi was transported to Guelph, Ontario, for the necessary tests with the assistance of the National Wildlife Centre and the Ontario Veterinary College. The results revealed that Lumi’s seizures were likely triggered by trauma-induced epilepsy, stemming from a brain injury sustained during the eye incident. This diagnosis indicated that the condition would not deteriorate further, offering a silver lining.
It was determined that Lumi would require lifelong medication to control the seizures, but understanding the underlying cause enables the team to provide tailored care. The total expenses for the trip amounted to approximately $10,000, funded by generous donors. Despite the costs involved, Nakata emphasized the importance of providing these animals with a second chance through proper care and treatment.
Lumi, now back in her enclosure, has adapted well to her surroundings, with the staff enhancing her living space for enrichment. While her relocation to Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg was initially planned, the onset of seizures postponed the move. However, the zoo remains her intended permanent residence, pending the finalization of her stable care plan. Nakata praised Lumi’s resilience and contentment, highlighting her serene demeanor as she awaits the next phase of her journey.