3 Mountain Lion Cubs With Story Of 'Survival And Hope' To Join Columbus Zoo

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has a few new additions on the way.

It's weeks away from getting three new mountain lion cubs: Captain Cal and two unrelated “sister cubs.”

All three were orphaned in California wildfires. They recovered at the Oakland Zoo’s veterinary hospital, according to a press release from the Columbus Zoo.

Firefighters rescued Captain Cal on September 30, when he was about four to six weeks old. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife brought him to the Oakland Zoo, where he was treated, including for burns on his paws, and recovered after 47 days, according to the Columbus Zoo.

“We’re grateful and beyond happy that Captain Cal has made such an amazing recovery and now has a family with the two females,” Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Dr. Alex Herman said. “These cubs’ poignant faces have made an impact on so many, and helped raise awareness around the issue of global warming and the environment we — and these animals — live in. We’re fully committed to continue taking in burned wildlife that need our help, and hopefully, one day that need will no longer exist.”

The female cubs don’t have names yet, so Oakland Zoo officials offered those at their Columbus counterpart the opportunity to name them. Names will be announced in the coming weeks, the release states.

Oakland Zoo Zoological Manager Angela Gibson and Columbus Zoo Vice President of Animal Health Dr. Randy Junge will travel with the cubs.

“Even with the cubs’ tragic beginning, their story is actually one of survival and hope,” Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President and CEO Tom Stalf said. “We are proud to work with our friends at Oakland Zoo, whose expertise has given these cubs another chance. We remain committed to the cubs’ care, and we will continue to share their important story with others as we work together to protect the future of wildlife and wild places.”

Photo: Getty Images


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