A TAIL OF TRIUMPH

Canada Lynx kit of the Utica Zoo, Hadley, has officially made a full recovery after several months of ongoing veterinary care due to a critical injury, making his story a true tail of triumph. The verifiable event causing Hadley’s injury was not captured, but it soon became consensus that an awfully curious and rather brave kitten was pushing the limits of his little limbs while learning to climb and jump in his exhibit.

On August 30th of 2025 and at just 15-weeks old, it was soon found out that Hadley was experiencing a broken femur. Hadley was transported alongside his dedicated keeper and veterinary staff to Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster, New York, for orthopedic surgery with board-certified orthopedic surgeons. After a successful operation and several weeks in quarantine to rest and rehabilitate, Hadley passed his 7-week radiograph recheck with flying colors.

By November, Hadley was reintroduced back to his exhibit and happily greeted by his immediate family. This in turn dropped a substantial weight off the shoulders of his caretakers and veterinary staff, since Hadley facing rejection from the family group upon his return was always an unfortunate factor to consider. Upon the rejoice of Hadley and his family group, as well as a stellar radiograph report, he was ready to continue his rehabilitation and improve his mobility on exhibit this time.

Hadley’s treatment plan was designed with the expertise of his veterinary staff at the Utica Zoo and his orthopedic surgeon, accompanied with recommendations from the SSP (Species Survival Plan). To avoid the very probable possibility of Hadley breaking his femur again or generating any new injuries, he was gradually offered more ground to walk and height to climb over time. The careful considerations and decisions made by Hadley’s veterinary staff are the primary reason for his smooth recovery and overall success.

Today, Hadley has free roam of the entire Canada Lynx exhibit, where he can join his family group as they jump, run, and play all day! Hadley’s successful recovery feels like a huge win for the entire Utica Zoo team and surrounding community, warming hearts just in time for colder weather.

Even during these cold winter months, the Canada Lynx family is on exhibit since they thrive this time of year. Their large paws allow them to move freely along snow, since they perform similarly to a snowshoe would, whereas their thick, insulting fur keeps them warm. The Canada Lynx exhibit is located along the North Trek Nature Trail at the Utica Zoo, where it is open to the public 363 days a year.