Oakland Zoo in California is caring for a rescued three-week-old mountain lion kitten, one of the youngest it has received since joining the Bay Area Cougar Action Team (BACAT).
The male mountain lion cub was orphaned in Southern California and first taken to the Los Angeles Zoo by staff from the National Park Service (NPS) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
At the Los Angeles Zoo, the cub was examined by the veterinary team and found to be in overall good health, aside from missing the toes on one foot.
Named Crimson, the kitten was later transported to Oakland Zoo's veterinary hospital and found to be healthy. He will continue to be monitored by the zoo's veterinary and animal care staff.
Currently, he is being bottle fed every three hours, with zoo staff attempting to provide the care that his mother would have in the wild.
In the wild, mountain lion cubs need about 12 to 18 months with their mother to learn essential survival skills. As Crimson is so young, he cannot be released back into the wild.
Mountain lions rarely abandon their offspring, and in this case, the mother may have abandoned the kitten because of his missing toes.
After his rehabilitation, Oakland Zoo hopes to introduce Crimson to Clover, the female club rescued earlier this month.
“I've had the privilege of witnessing countless rescues," said Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo.
"There is something so deeply moving about watching our team pour themselves so completely into a single life. Their skill, their sleepless nights, and their quiet determination motivate me," he added.
"I can only hope that Crimson’s story and the work at Oakland Zoo impact all of you as it does me."
The average cub costs Oakland Zoo roughly $18,000 per month for veterinary and animal care, with these efforts supported by community donations, which can be made here.
Crimson's rescue is Oakland Zoo's 33rd mountain lion rescue.
Images courtesy of Oakland Zoo
