Wildwood Zoo welcomes Canadian lynx ‘Odin’

MARSHFIELD — Wildwood Park & Zoo has welcomed its newest resident: a 3-month-old male Canadian lynx named Odin.
The lynx arrived from a partnering USDA-accredited zoo and is currently housed in the zoo’s Wildcat Building, according to Marshfield Parks and Recreation. Staff report the young cat is adapting well to his new surroundings and growing quickly.
“This is a special addition to the zoo, highlighting our commitment to conservation and education about North American wildlife,” the department stated. “The Canadian lynx, a secretive feline native to northern forests, has a rich history in Wisconsin, and Odin’s presence here helps us share their story.”
Canadian lynx once had a breeding population in Wisconsin, but numbers declined due to fur trapping and habitat destruction from logging and development. The species was removed from Wisconsin’s endangered list in 1997 but remains a protected wild animal.
The cats are elusive and rarely seen in the wild, earning them the nickname “shadow of the forest.” Lynx populations fluctuate with snowshoe hare numbers, their primary prey, following roughly 10-year cycles.

Zoo officials plan to introduce Odin to Elsa, the facility’s resident bobcat, in the coming months. The pairing will offer visitors “a unique opportunity to see these two amazing wildcats side-by-side,” according to the announcement.
Established in 1937, Wildwood Zoo is free to the public and features North American species including Kodiak bears, wolves, bald eagles and buffalo across more than 150 acres. The facility aims to “foster an understanding of our partnership with nature and the environment through animal conservation, education, and recreational opportunities.”
The zoo encourages visitors to follow their social media for updates on Odin’s progress and introduction to Elsa.
Zoo hours vary by season. The facility is located at 608 W. 17th St. For more information, call 715-486-2056.