A lynx named Linda was born at the Leningrad Zoo in June 2007. Sometime later, a cat called Dusya also settled into Linda’s enclosure. Now they’ve been living together for 12 years, proving that friendship is boundless.
Leningrad Zoo workers explained to us why they decided to conduct this experiment and told us how these buddies are doing today.
When Linda was about 2 months old, zoo workers decided to put a kitten who was the same age as her in her cage. They were almost the same size, so they were really interested in each other.
At first, they were left together for a short period of time so that they could play, but zoo workers always kept an eye on them. When the experts were sure that the lynx and the cat had gotten used to each other, they were put in one enclosure to live together.
The main purpose of the experiment was to show visitors the difference between a domestic cat’s and a lynx’s behavior. What’s more, this unusual environment helped to improve the living conditions of the lynx and gave her more opportunities to play with other animals.
Linda and Dusya communicate and behave like ordinary cats, even rubbing against each other and grooming each other. It looks pretty weird since Linda is a big predator now and Dusya is a rather small cat.
The 2 are really active, and they like to play with the toys that zoo workers bring them. But it turns out that there’s nothing better for them than an empty box. Linda, like an ordinary domestic cat, adores taking naps in these boxes.
The friends have the same daily schedule and they even eat together, but, of course, their meals differ. Linda likes beef, rabbit meat, and chicken. Dusya adores minced fish, and she’s treated with the necessary vitamins.
Dusya has a small house with a narrow entrance where zoo workers put the bowl with food, so that her big friend can’t steal it.
Zoo workers have noticed that despite their difference in size, Dusya is the leader in their relationship.
Even though Dusya is a domestic cat, she’s pretty wild. Zoo workers tell stories about how they try to pet her, but she doesn’t really like it.
