Oakland Zoo Rescues Three Mountain Lion Cubs Marking the 30th Rescue for the Zoo
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently brought three orphaned mountain lion cubs to the Oakland Zoo for rehabilitation and care. These rescues mark the 30th mountain lion rescue for the Zoo, through close collaboration with CDFW. Oakland Zoo’s advanced Veterinary Hospital has enabled the Zoo to assist in numerous mountain lion rescue cases for those who were sick, injured, burned, or orphaned. The three mountain lion cubs, now named Fern (female), Thistle (male), and Spruce (male), are currently recovering at the Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital.
These three cubs were found in Portola Valley, San Mateo County. Apparently, the mother of these three cubs was hit by a car on Portola Valley Road, about 0.3 miles from where they were found. The three kittens were then spotted wandering in the neighborhood, and they were later found hiding under a car.
Due to their disoriented behavior, and a lack of a mother for a couple of weeks, the CDFW decided to capture them for evaluation. Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital staff conducted a thorough health examination on Fer, Thistle, and Spruce, as the three cubs arrived at the Zoo relatively healthy, but thin after being without a mother and not receiving care for about two weeks. After examination, Oakland Zoo veterinarians determined that they are around three months old.
In the wild, mountain lion cubs need about two years with their mother to learn survival skills.
Mountain lions in California face many threats, including car strikes and wildfires. These factors contribute to human-wildlife conflict, increasing encounters as mountain lions encroach on urban areas and developments.
“As human development has significantly enhanced the wellbeing of our communities, it has simultaneously taken a toll on wildlife and their natural habitats. As we continue to thrive as a species, it is essential for co-existence that we also take action to ensure the survival of others. Now, more than ever, we must continually advocate for establishing wildlife corridors, such as the recent overpass in Los Angeles, to maintain the biodiversity of our Golden State,” says Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo.
For more information on the rescued cubs and Oakland Zoo’s mountain lion rescue and recovery work, please visit oaklandzoo.org.