A pair of Eurasian lynxes has become a new crowd favourite at Zhengzhou Zoo in central China’s Henan Province, after the species inspired the mysterious villain Pawbert in the hit film Zootopia 2. Since making their debut in the zoo’s medium-sized predator zone, the lynxes have drawn steady streams of visitors, many arriving straight after watching the movie.

“I came here specifically after watching Zootopia 2. The lynxes are really cute in person,” said one visitor.

Eurasian lynxes are the largest members of the lynx family, with each of Zhengzhou’s newcomers stretching over 90 centimetres and weighing more than 25 kilograms. Their distinctive black ear tufts, grey-brown spotted coats, and sturdy, long-limbed build give them a blend of kitten-like fluffiness and lion-like presence.

Classed as a state second-level protected species, wild Eurasian lynxes are typically found in China’s colder northeastern and northwestern regions.

Source: China Central Television