Kitten Alert! Oakland Zoo Rescues 27th Mountain Lion Named 'Briar'

The Oakland Zoo recently assisted in rescuing a male mountain lion cub from El Dorado County. This is the 27th mountain lion rescue through the Zoo’s Bay Area Cougar Action Team (BACAT) alliance. 

     The cub, which the Zoo has named Briar (inspired by the spots on his fur resembling a blackberry bush), was found by residents walking alone down a road in El Dorado County. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) conducted ground and wildlife camera surveillance where the kitten was found, hoping to find a mother or other siblings to reunite them. However, no mountain lions were detected on the cameras over the weekend. After several days, CDFW decided to rescue Briar and bring him to Oakland Zoo.

     The Zoo conducted a full examination and determined that he was 4-5 months old, making him one of the Zoo's youngest mountain lion rescues. After a few days of care from CDFW, Briar gained some weight and came to the Zoo well-nourished and hydrated, and there was no need to provide fluids. The Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital Team will continue to care for him and monitor him closely as he adapts to human care.