The Iberian Lynx is one of the most endangered wild cats in the world.
Around 4000 wild lynx were alive around 60 years ago but the population has declined through hunting and loss of habitat.
Only 25 years ago the Iberian lynx was almost extinct as only 94 individuals were living in two small regions in Andalusia in Spain in 2002.
Their name comes from the Greek ‘’to shine’’ and may refer to the cats’ eyes.
The first lynx to be born in captivity was Saliega, a female born in Spain in 2005.
By 2012, the population had increased to 326 individuals and in 2021 there are over 1000 lynx living in Spain.
It is hoped that this success story can be repeated for many of our worlds endangered animals that need our help.