Oakland Zoo's Mountain Lion Rescue, Spruce, Finds a Forever Home at Birmingham Zoo with New Companion, Juniper

April 8, 2025, Oakland, CA…Spruce, a male mountain lion and the 30th rescue by Oakland Zoo has safely arrived at his new home in the Birmingham Zoo, joining his new companion, a female rescue cub named Juniper. Spruce was rescued in January along with his siblings, Fern and Thistle, and through donor support, has received care from Oakland Zoo's Veterinary Hospital and animal care staff since then. The decision to relocate Spruce to Birmingham Zoo was based on the personalities of both Spruce and Juniper. The location of Fern and Thistle’s new homes has yet to be determined.  

Oakland and Birmingham Zoo collaborated with FedEx to safely transport Spruce to Memphis, Tennessee. FedEx donated the transportation costs for Spruce as part of the company’s FedEx Cares “Delivering for Good” initiative. Over the past month, the animal care staff at Oakland Zoo have used positive reinforcement training with Spruce to help him become comfortable with the crate he would travel in. The keepers at Oakland Zoo reported that he did an amazing job shifting right into the crate for his early morning flight last Friday.  Angela Gibson, a Zoological Manager at Oakland Zoo, accompanied Spruce during the flight to ensure his safety and wellbeing during his trip. Upon arrival in Memphis, Spruce and Angela were welcomed by Mollye Nardi and Amy Toman, curators at Birmingham Zoo. They traveled seven hours round trip to pick up Spruce and Angela from Memphis and bring them to Spruce’s new home in Alabama.

Spruce and his new companion, Juniper, have been introduced in their nighthouse. They have been observed cuddling, playing, chirping (a form of communication), and getting to know one another. They will remain in their nighthouse as they acclimate to their new surroundings. Once they have settled, they will move into the full Birmingham Zoo’s Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing Habitat, which opened to the public on March 19th. Birmingham and Oakland Zoo will update their followers on social media when that occurs.

Mountain lions in California face many threats, including car strikes and wildfires. These factors contribute to human-wildlife conflict, increasing encounters as mountain lions encroach on urban areas and developments. Due to these conflicts, zoos like Oakland and Birmingham Zoo have often been called upon to care for orphaned mountain lions.

"We are excited that a wonderful home has been found for Spruce. Though we are quick to respond when called into action, we hope measures will be implemented to prevent Oakland Zoo from needing to rescue these animals so often in the future. Coexistence is essential for the survival of this species. The Zoo is committed to enhancing connectivity, nurturing coexistence, and advocating for policy initiatives to protect pumas, pets, and people across the Bay Area,” says Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo.

“Spruce arrived safely and is getting used to his new home in the Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing nighthouse,” said Chris Pefferkorn, President and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo. “He and Juniper have already had positive interactions under the guidance of Birmingham Zoo and Oakland Zoo animal care professionals,” said Pfefferkorn. “The cougar cubs, along with the two adult bobcats, live in a new facility designed to allow the cats to explore and exhibit natural behaviors. Guests will learn about these amazing animals and their species, and we look forward to watching them thrive together at the Birmingham Zoo,” he said.

For more information about the rescued cubs' backgrounds, Oakland Zoo’s Mountain Lion Rescue Program, and Birmingham Zoo, please refer to the FAQ list below:

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Where was Spruce and his siblings found? What happened to their mother?

Fern (female), Thistle (male), and Spruce (male) were found in Portola Valley, San Mateo County. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) believes the mother of these three cubs was the same female lion hit by a car on Portola Valley Road about 0.3 miles from where Fern, Thistle, and Spruce were found. While there were many witnesses of the mountain lion after it was hit, the carcass has since disappeared and is still being investigated.

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Why can’t the cubs be released to the wild?

In the wild, mountain lion cubs need about two years with their mother to learn survival skills. Because Fern, Thistle, and Spruce are so young, they lacked those skills and could not be returned to the wild.

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How are new homes for mountain lions rescued by Oakland Zoo chosen?

CDFW selects locations with the animals' welfare and wellbeing in mind. The Zoo cares for the cubs and then assists CDFW with transporting them to appropriate institutions.

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Why couldn’t the cub trio be introduced to Oakland Zoo’s resident mountain lions?

Many factors are considered when introducing animals – personalities, age, AZA’s Species Survival Plan recommendations, etc.– and all decisions are made with the animal’s welfare and wellbeing in mind. The trio was determined not to be the perfect match for Oakland Zoo’s resident mountain lions and Briar, another rescued puma the Zoo is caring for.

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How is Spruce’s separation from his siblings like what this species experiences in the wild?

In the wild, mountain lion kittens typically remain with their mother for 18 to 24 months, during which they learn essential survival skills before dispersing to establish their territories. The trio's separation aligns with what this species would normally experience in the wild.

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Where was Juniper found and when was she brought to Birmingham Zoo?

Juniper was found in Billings, Montana, by a property owner who discovered her stuck in his fence, but there were no signs of other cubs or adults nearby. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks helped rescue her on December 14, 2024. Although the cub was emaciated, she displayed a feisty spirit and appeared in good overall health despite her situation. The animal care staff at Birmingham Zoo continues working with the new cub to help her acclimate to her new home. A public vote helped name her and raised more than $5,500 for Juniper’s care.

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Are Spruce and Juniper recommended to breed by AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP)?

No, the pairing of Spruce and Juniper is for companionship purposes based on their similar personalities and age. Mountain lions are not bred in AZA facilities due to the need to provide homes for orphan kittens.

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What is the Bay Area Cougar Action Team (BACAT)?

In 2012, Oakland Zoo participated in a training session focused on resolving conflicts between humans and wildlife. This training led to forming BACAT (Bay Area Cougar Action Team). The alliance brings together various agencies, non-profit organizations, local parks, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and mountain lion researchers. With a shared message and a team-based approach, BACAT aims to create a support system that serves as a model for other regions in California and beyond. Through BACAT, Oakland Zoo has rescued and rehabilitated 30 mountain lions, most victims of human-wildlife conflicts or wildfires. More information about the partnership is here.

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How much does it cost Oakland Zoo to care for mountain lion cubs?

Cubs come to Oakland Zoo with various needs and symptoms; some stay only a matter of weeks, others many months. On average, mountain lion cubs spend 8.5 days in the Intensive Care Unit, which requires constant staff care. The average cub costs roughly $18,000 monthly in veterinary and animal care. These efforts are supported by donations from the community.

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How can you help support Oakland Zoo and its Mountain Lion Rescue program?

Oakland Zoo relies on philanthropic support from the community to fund our conservation programs, including the Mountain Lion Rescue program.

You can make a donation to Oakland Zoo online at www.oaklandzoo.org/support or learn about other ways to give on our website at www.oaklandzoo.org/donate.

Questions can be directed to the Development team at impact@oaklandzoo.org.

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How can I find more information about Birmingham Zoo and their new Cougar Crossing habitat?

For more on the Birmingham Zoo and the new Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing, visit www.birminghamzoo.com.

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