Male Siberian Lynx

Born 5/1/97 - Died 8/25/19

Rescued 6/24/97

When Apollo arrived at Big Cat Rescue, he had severe parasite issues. With veterinary care, a nutritionally balanced diet, and a little time, he was able to make significant improvements very quickly.He was rescued with another male Siberian Lynx named Zeus. He and Apollo had grown up together and become best friends. Although it is rare to see two adult male lynxes living together in the wild, it is considered a form of enrichment for those who have been raised together in captivity. That was the case with these two.Apollo and Zeus share a large shady enclosure here at Big Cat Rescue. They play together, groom one another, stalk ducks together, and ever curl up next to each other when they sleep. They have a very special bond. They are both known to puff air from their nostrils when they are agitated. This especially occurs at feeding time. Due to this cute little trait, they have earned themselves the nickname of “The Hufflepuffs”.

Medical Update May 30, 2017

Apollo has advanced kidney disease, which is not uncommon in older cats. Dr. Wynn is here to run blood work on him and get him started on a new medication. He will also be groomed during this time. He is unable to groom himself well up around his neck due to the severity of his arthritis at the age of 20.

5/30/2017 - Dr. Wynn is Doing Some X-Rays on Apollo Lynx Live Video

https://www.facebook.com/bigcatrescue/videos/10154473055736957/

5/30/2017 Dr. Wynn is Here to See Apollo Lynx Live Video Part Two

https://www.facebook.com/bigcatrescue/videos/10154473086781957/

Medical Update July 18, 2018

Apollo was seen by Dr. Justin Boorstein. He was found to be slightly dehydrated and was given fluids. He also had a hotspot and required some grooming. To everyone’s surprise, he weighed in at 70 lbs. He will spend the next couple of days under observation in the hospital recovery cage.

7/19/2018 Follow Up on Apollo With Keeper Brittany Mira

Medical Update August 23, 2019

Even though he had been provided an a/c unit earlier this summer as was getting extra frozen treats Apollo was having a very difficult time with the heat. With his advanced age, 22-years-old, and his advanced kidney disease, his decreased activity, and decreased appetite we fear our time with this amazing precious boy of growing very short. Today, he was moved into the cat hospital to see the vet. Here is a more detailed update from Carole.

Medical Update Late Afternoon August 23, 2019

Apollo spent the afternoon resting comfortably in the hospital in the a/c. Afton was able to coax him into eating 10 ounces and drinking some water.

Medical Update Aug 25, 2019, Saying Goodbye

Apollo Lynx was euthanized today by Dr. Justin Boorstein. X-rays and Ultrasound showed what looked like tumors on his kidneys and one the size of a tangerine in his intestines. His back issues were much worse, making it hard for him to stand. We decided to do exploratory surgery to make sure it wasn’t just an obstruction. What we saw let us know it was time to let him go. We are sending a sample out to the lab. Please post your tributes below. Thank you, everyone, who gave him 22 years of love.

To our knowledge, at the time of this rescue, there are no longer any fur farms in the United States that are raising these cats for their fur. Big Cat Rescue has bought out every U.S. fur farm known to us and we would like to do the same in Canada. We were trying to put an end to this practice in Canada as well with the rescue of Apollo and Zeus. However, we determined, in 1997, that in order to purchase the remaining cats at the known Canadian farm and build barely adequate housing for them, it would have cost over $95,000.Over time, we have determined that we would not be able to buy our way out from under the issues and that things needed to change. Since then, we have focused and devoted all our time and energy on changing the laws to protect these animals. You can help too!

Videos of Apollo Siberian Lynx

Apollo LOVES Pineapples!!

Talking Lynx 12/1/2010

Holiday Enrichment! Video 12/17/2010

See More Videos with Apollo in them

VIDEO - Apollo and Zeus Get a Pool Video 7/15/2015

https://www.facebook.com/bigcatrescue/videos/10152923200666957/

VIDEO - Live Walkabout 1/3/2017https://www.facebook.com/bigcatrescue/videos/10154081449001957/

VIDEO - Apollo Love His Pineapples! Enrichment Video 4/6/2018

https://www.facebook.com/bigcatrescue/videos/424079721379935/VIDEO - Q & A with Brittany Mira 1/23/2019

https://www.facebook.com/bigcatrescue/videos/2010250769062993/

VIDEO - Q & A with Brittany Mira 1/30/2019

https://www.facebook.com/bigcatrescue/videos/838592163140500/

Apollo