A Eurasian lynx that had been roaming around Suffolk County was safely caught early Friday morning in Central Islip by the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD). The Strong Island Animal Rescue League was called to assist with the capture and transported the exotic cat to the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, where the lynx – determined to be a boy about a year old – is recovering. It is believed that the lynx, first spotted on July 26, had been an illegally kept pet and escaped. Officials are seeking information on who may have been the animal’s owner.
While the Sweetbriar Nature Center is open to the public, the lynx will not be visible to visitors to ensure that he, according to a social post, is “happy, healthy, and not stressed.” There is currently an online fundraiser to help with the lynx’s ongoing care as well as the care of the other injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife the center takes in. Each year Sweetbriar cares for over 100 non-releasable animals and takes in over 2,000 wild animals to rehabilitate.
Strong Island Animal Rescue League
Strong Island Animal Rescue League focuses on outreach offering food, vaccines and proper shelters, answering local calls regarding injured, abused and neglected animals, and being a strong presence of education amongst people of all ages regarding animal cruelty laws in New York State. Visit the non-profit organization on Facebook or Instagram for news on their latest rescues.
Sweetbriar Nature Center and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
The non-profit Sweetbriar Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make homes there. It provides natural science education services for Long Island residents of all ages and engages in native wildlife rehabilitation services.
Sweetbriar’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provides quality medical care and rehabilitation for all injured, sick and orphaned wildlife, and shares its knowledge with the people who care about them. The center also hosts birthday parties with live reptiles, mammals, birds, and more, Animal Encounter Experiences, and daily natural science programs over the school breaks for elementary school children.
Sweetbriar Nature Center is located at 62 Eckernkamp Dr, Smithtown. Visit its website, Facebook page, or call them at 631-979-6344 for more information.