One Minnesota zoo is ending the year with a handful of new additions, and like its most recent arrival, these newcomers came as a pair.

The Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth recently welcomed twin pygmy slow lorises to parents Colby and Georgio on November 17. That endangered species is found in only about 20 zoos across the United States, making their arrival a rare moment for animal lovers in the Northland.

Now, the Lake Superior Zoo is celebrating another exciting addition with the arrival of two Canada lynx brothers. While the species is not currently listed as endangered, Canada lynx are considered threatened in many parts of the country, including Minnesota.

READ MORE: WATCH: What Is It Like Aboard A 1,000-Foot Lake Superior Freighter?

Bjorn and Floki Arrive in Minnesota from Pittsburgh

Bjorn and Floki, ages 7 and 6, arrived at the Lake Superior Zoo on October 30 from the Pittsburgh Zoo. Since their arrival, the zoo’s animal care team has focused on building trust and forming bonds with the brothers as they adjust to their new surroundings.

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According to Micayla, Lead Carnivore Keeper at the Lake Superior Zoo, lynx are naturally cautious animals. “Lynx are naturally shy, and these two are no exception,” Micayla said in a press release. “Floki has warmed up more quickly and often comes right up to eat from us. Bjorn is more hesitant.”

A New Habitat for the Brothers in Duluth

The brothers are now settled into their newly renovated habitat and are available for the public to see. Zoo staff recommend looking up, as Bjorn and Floki often choose to relax high in the trees, a behavior that reflects how lynx live in the wild.

Lake Superior Zoo
Lake Superior Zoo
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The habitat also features a custom-made fire hose climbing tower, along with a heated rock that has already become a favorite.

Zoo staff say Floki has developed a particular fondness for the heated hot rock, often lounging on it during colder Duluth mornings. As winter settles into northern Minnesota, visitors may spot the brothers soaking up warmth while surveying their surroundings from above.

The arrival of Bjorn and Floki adds to a growing list of recent animal milestones at the Lake Superior Zoo, offering another reason for locals and visitors alike to make a winter trip to one of Duluth’s most beloved attractions.

Minnesota Counties Without Any McDonald's Locations

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Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

The 16 Least Snowy Winters On Record In Duluth History

Since the National Weather Service began keeping weather records in Duluth in the late 1800s, here are the 16 winters with the lowest snowfall totals on historical record.

It is worth noting that the official records from 1941-today have been recorded at the area now known as the Duluth International Airport (away from the lake, on top of the hill). Before then, various locations closer to Lake Superior had been used for official weather recording data. For anyone that knows anything about how Lake Superior and the hill play a role in temperature and snow, you can see how this makes older records inherently different.

While these records note the "least snowy winters", they actually include all seasonal snowfall from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

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