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The Oakland Zoo’s two newest residents are two orphaned mountain lion cubs, one male and one female, approximately 9 to 10 weeks of age.
The 20-pound male, who arrived in late September, is from Modoc County. His mother, who was reportedly killing sheep in the area, was shot and killed under a legal depredation permit.
The 8.4-pound female was discovered in Lake County after a property owner heard “chirps” from what he believed to be a bird. Mountain lion cubs make a high-pitched “chirping” sound when calling for their mother, zookeepers say.
The female cub was transferred Oct. 11.
“We’re happy that these two cubs are doing very well, although it’s heartbreaking they were orphaned,” said Dr. Karen Emanuelson, Oakland Zoo director of veterinary services.
According to zoo officials, the cubs ultimately will be permanently placed at an appropriate facility when they are strong enough. The cubs were orphaned too young to have the survival skills necessary for release.
In the past 10 months, five unrelated, orphaned mountain lion cubs have been rescued and brought to Oakland Zoo by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
