Remembering Littlefoot, the Canada Lynx who Engaged a Generation of Museum Visitors in West Hartford

The New Children’s Museum in West Hartford lost one of its most iconic animals on Friday, March 13th when Littlefoot, the Canada lynx who has resided at the Museum since 2001, passed away just short of seventeen years old.

Littlefoot was born in Montana on May 11, 1998 and lived in Washington State for the first three years of his life - where it is legal to keep a lynx as a pet - before traveling across the country to a new home in Connecticut at The New Children’s Museum.

“Our beloved Littlefoot was such a social and energetic character, he is irreplaceable,” said Nick Barnett, curator at the Museum’s Wildlife Sanctuary.

For nearly fourteen years, Littlefoot engaged and educated a generation of museum visitors about lynx, their adaptations and their habitats.

“He was a remarkable animal, who although born into captivity, retained many of the habits of his wild relatives,” said Jay Kaplan, Wildlife Sanctuary Director.

Yet, Littlefoot was raised by humans and developed an affinity for people. He would often be found by the public walkway where he would observe and vocalize to those walking past his enclosure.

“On behalf of the museum, we express our appreciation to the many individuals - both staff and volunteers - who cared for Littlefoot over the years,” said Kaplan. “Special thanks go to former Wildlife Sanctuary Director Cindy King of Portland who spent over ten years working with Littlefoot, and Dr. Paul Chace of Advanced Veterinary Care in Farmington who provided outstanding medical care to the lynx throughout his life in Connecticut.”

“There is no question that Littlefoot will be missed by many of our Museum visitors”, said Kaplan. “He was such a remarkable animal and I doubt we will see another like him.”

According to museum staff, there are currently no plans to replace Littlefoot with another lynx.

For information about the Wildlife Sanctuary and its programming, contact Jay Kaplan, Wildlife Sanctuary Director at 860.231.2830 ext. 50.

The New Children’s Museum is located at 950 Trout Brook Drive in West Hartford, and Roaring Brook Nature Center is located at 70 Gracey Road in Canton. More information is available at www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org.