3 Orphaned Mountain Lion Cubs Find New Home at San Diego Zoo After Week-Long Rescue

Mar. 15, 2025

Three orphaned mountain lion cubs have found a new home at theSan Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Earlier this month, members of theSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the University of California’sKaren C. Drayer Wildlife Health Centerand theCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildliferescued the animals, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE.

Per the release, each cub was found within 250 feet of each other, and they likely would not have survived more than one week on their own, given their young age.

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Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The cubs were approximately 6 weeks old at the time of their rescue, and because they were orphaned at an early age, the release added they could not be safely reintroduced into their native habitat.

Orphaned lion cub being rescued.Charlie de la Rosa/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Charlie de la Rosa/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

“Mountain lions are a keystone species right here in our own backyard," Lisa Peterson, the executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, said in a statement. “It’s been a privilege to nurse these youngsters back to full health, and we now have the honor of caring for them long-term."

“While our research teams and our conservation partners continue their mountain lion work in the field, the Safari Park will be a refuge for these three cubs offering them native landscapes and new opportunities to thrive, while sharing the importance of coexistence among wildlife with our guests,” she added.

Mountain lions, which are also known as cougars, pumas or panthers, can be found across the globe, from Canada to South America, according to theNational Wildlife Federation. The mammals, per the organization, are currently threatened.

source: people.com