Leonardo “Leo” DiCatprio, the Eurasian Lynx that was on the loose and eventually captured on Long Island earlier this summer, has settled into his permanent home at the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve, according to a statement from Brookhaven Town. Leo was revealed to the public in his new enclosure on Tuesday, November 22nd.
If you remember, back in July a wildcat was spotted on someone’s home security camera in West Islip. The sighting brought in the Long Island Humane Society, New York DEC and Suffolk County SPCA to help locate the animal. It was correctly identified as a lynx by none-other than Carol Baskin, founder and CEO of Big Cat Rescue, the organization that was featured on the Netflix documentary Tiger King.
Captured lynx now at home in Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve. Photo: Town of Brookhaven.
Leo joins the more than 100 wild and farm animals that reside at the Animal Preserve.
“We are grateful that the DEC and SPCA felt the Ecology Site was the right environment for Leo and we are thrilled to have him among our residents,” said Brookhaven Highway Department Superintendent Daniel Losquadro. “However, we hope when people come to enjoy this facility and view the animals, they understand the dangers in keeping wild animals as pets. While we have no idea why Leo was being kept as a pet, we are very happy that he is safe and healthy at our facility.”
Since arriving at the Ecology Site in August, Leo has gained 15 pounds and enjoys various enrichment activities to stimulate his natural behaviors. He can often be seen running, stretching his legs, climbing, jumping and pouncing – performing all natural cat-like behaviors.
“The Suffolk County SPCA is pleased to have a close working relationship with the Holtsville Ecology Site and its wonderful, caring staff,” said Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross.
Open seven days a week from 10am to 3pm, the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve is located at 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville. Visitors can view the animals, free of charge, including peacocks and mustangs, a bobcat, an American black bear and an American bald eagle; tours are also available. Call (631) 451-5330 for more information.
