Oakland Zoo Helps Rescue Orphan Mountain Lion Cubs with Help From CDFW and Midpeninsula Open Space District

January 28, 2025, Oakland, CA… This past Sunday, January 26th, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and brought three orphaned mountain lion cubs to Oakland Zoo for rehabilitation and care. These rescues mark the 30th mountain lion rescue for the Zoo, with close collaboration with CDFW. Oakland Zoo's advanced Veterinary Hospital has enabled the Zoo to assist in numerous mountain lion rescue cases for those who were sick, injured, burned, or orphaned. The three mountain lion cubs, now named Fern (female), Thistle (male), and Spruce (male), are currently recovering at the Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital

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.

"As human development has significantly enhanced the wellbeing of our communities, it has simultaneously taken a toll on wildlife and their natural habitats. As we continue to thrive as a species, it is essential for coexistence that we also take action to ensure the survival of others. Now more than ever, we must continually advocate for establishing wildlife corridors, such as the recent overpass in Los Angeles, to maintain the biodiversity of our Golden State,” says Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo.

For more information on the rescued cubs and Oakland Zoo’s mountain lion rescue and recovery work, here is a list of FAQs below:

Where were the cubs found?

Fern (female), Thistle (male), Spruce (male) were found in Portola Valley, San Mateo County.

What happened to their mother?

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. As such, CDFW can’t confirm a relationship between the kittens and female lions using DNA.

How long did the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) monitor them, and why did they bring them to Oakland Zoo?

Recently, Portola Valley residents spotted the kittens wandering in the neighborhood, and they were later found hiding under a car. CDFW monitored for any signs of the kittens' mother over the past two weeks, using trail cameras and reports from local security cameras with the help of the Midpeninsula Open Space District. There have been no confirmed sightings of an adult female searching or calling for her cubs. Due to their disoriented behavior, lack of a mother for two weeks, and proximity to where the female was hit, CDFW decided to capture the kittens for evaluation with help from the Midpeninsula Open Space District.  

In what condition did they arrive at Oakland Zoo? How old are they?

Oakland Zoo's Veterinary Hospital staff conducted a thorough health examination on the Fern, thistle, and Spruce, including treatments and bloodwork. The three cubs arrived at the Zoo relatively healthy but thin after being without a mother and adult care for about two weeks. After examination, Oakland Zoo veterinarians determined that they were around three months old.

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

In the wild, mountain lion cubs need about two years with their mother in the wild to learn survival skills. Because Fern, Thistle, and Spruce are so young, they lack those skills and cannot return to the wild.

Will the cubs remain at Oakland Zoo?

Unfortunately, Fern, Spruce, and Thistle will not remain at the Zoo. Oakland Zoo will work with CDFW to find these cubs a new forever home at an appropriate institution.

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

In 2012, the Oakland Zoo participated in a training session focused on resolving conflicts between humans and wildlife. This training led to the formation of 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.

To support Oakland Zoo’s efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need, please donate at oaklandzoo.org/give .

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