Rescuers Save 3 Mountain Lion Cubs Found Hiding Under Car After Their Mother’s Death

Rescuers Save 3 Mountain Lion Cubs Found After Their Mother’s Death

Three baby mountain lions have been rescued and are currently under the care of the Oakland Zoo’s veterinary hospital after being discovered alone in the wilderness following their mother’s passing. The cubs, named Fern, Thistle, and Spruce, are approximately 10 months old and are said to be in “relatively healthy” condition despite surviving without their mother for two weeks.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reported that the orphaned mountain lion cubs were found just 0.3 miles away from where a deceased female mountain lion was found in Portola Valley, California. It is believed that the deceased mountain lion was the cubs’ mother, as per a statement released by the Oakland Zoo. The residents of the area initially came across the dead mother mountain lion and then later discovered the three cubs hiding under a nearby car after scouring the neighbourhood.

After closely monitoring the trio of cubs for two weeks to see if there was a maternal presence, the CDFW determined that the cubs were indeed orphans in need of assistance. Following this assessment, rescuers collected them and transported them to the Oakland Zoo’s veterinary hospital for further evaluation and care. The veterinary team determined that the cubs – one female named Fern and two males named Thistle and Spruce – were around three months old when they were found.

Upon their arrival at the zoo hospital, the cubs underwent comprehensive examinations and received the necessary treatments for any health issues they were facing. According to a press release from the zoo, Fern, Thistle, and Spruce were described as being “relatively healthy but thin” during their initial evaluation, with their lower weight attributed to the time they spent isolated and disoriented in the wild. Typically, mountain lion cubs stay with their mothers for about two years before venturing out on their own.

The body of the deceased mountain lion believed to be the cubs’ mother has been relocated by an unidentified individual, making it impossible for the CDFW to conclusively confirm the relationship between the adult cat and the cubs through DNA analysis. Once the cubs have made a full recovery, they will not be able to return to the wilderness without the necessary survival skills taught by their mother. The zoo mentioned that they would collaborate with the CDFW to find the cubs a new permanent residence at a suitable facility.

In conclusion, the heartwarming rescue of these orphaned mountain lion cubs highlights the dedication and compassion of wildlife rescuers and veterinarians in safeguarding the well-being of wild animals in need. The positive outcome of this rescue effort serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect and preserve endangered species like mountain lions for future generations to appreciate and admire.