Oakland Zoo Takes Sick Mountain Lion Cub for Intensive Care Treatment —California

A critically ill mountain lion cub that was rescued by Oakland Zoo and is being cared for by the California zoo's intensive care unit was unable to move when it was rescued.

December 20

Tuesday, December 20, wildlife officials in Northern California rescued the weak mountain lion cub, who was given the seasonal name "Holly" by veterinarians.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife was informed on Monday after the cub was spotted on a Santa Cruz resident's property, the zoo said in a Twitter thread. Wildlife officers waited for the cub's mother to come back, and when she did not, they took the animal to the zoo.

The critically ill cub is believed to be three to four months old by the zoo's veterinarians. She received medication, vitamins, and fluids as treatment. Although the cub's bloodwork was improved, the zoo reported that she is still not standing or moving around much. The zoo is hopeful that Holly will continue to improve, but they are taking things slowly. According to the zoo, the objective is to reintroduce animals to the wild, but not with critically ill or young animals like Holly, AP News reports.

December 24

Holly, the cub that the zoo adopted a few days ago, is reportedly doing well and healing under the care of the zoo's veterinarians. The zoo claims that the young cub is a fighter because she is keeping her temperature, blood sugar levels, and hydration under control. The zoo enthusiastically added that Holly is also consistently eating and becoming more feisty. Her bloodwork still appears to be in good shape. A video of Holly in her enclosure, where she appeared healthy, bright-eyed, and active as she groomed herself and licked her paws, was posted with the zoo's tweet.

In a later tweet, the zoo added that Holly cannot be returned to the wild because she lacks the survival skills needed for independent living. According to the zoo, mountain lion cubs can spend up to two years learning these skills from their mothers.

Holly will be placed in a certified forever home if her recovery continues to advance, the Zoo decided, according to KRON4.

December 26

In its most recent update on December 26, the zoo wished Happy HOLLY-days to the mountain lion cub in their care, who is improving. The zoo reports that Holly has already displayed a calm but inquisitive demeanor as well as a growing appetite. Later, the zoo commented that this one has a strong Christmas spirit.

 The tweet includes a video of the cub eating enthusiastically, a marked improvement over day 1 when she was wrapped in a towel and unable to move.

Read also: 3 Juvenile Mountain Lions Found Under Idaho Deck Euthanized for Public Safety 

Oakland Zoo, California

Mountain lions that have been rescued from urban areas are the Oakland Zoo's area of expertise. A mountain lion cub discovered in a Peninsula high school was taken in by the zoo earlier this year.

According to the Oakland Zoo, their cutting-edge, 17,000-square-foot Veterinary Hospital was built to accommodate all animals, from tiny birds to big camels and grizzly bears, present and future residents as well as visiting rescues. It has wide transportation docks, a small laboratory, a pharmacy, radiology and surgical suites, and LEED Gold certification.

Related article: Hollywood Mountain Lion P-22 Ends Reign in Euthanasia After Collision With Vehicle -Los Angeles