Abandoned baby mountain lion is rescued in Southern California
Los Angeles Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Crimson, a three-week-old mountain lion cub from Southern California, was rescued after being abandoned and losing toes on one hind foot, likely due to umbilical cord strangulation, which may have caused his mother to leave him.
- Rescued by state wildlife officials and initially treated at the Los Angeles Zoo, Crimson has been transferred to the Oakland Zoo where he is receiving intensive round-the-clock care to mimic maternal support and ensure proper use of his injured foot.
- Due to his young age and lack of survival skills learned from his mother, Crimson is not suitable for release into the wild and will live permanently at the zoo.
- The Oakland Zoo plans to introduce Crimson to Clover, another rescued mountain lion cub, as companionship has been shown to improve well-being and recovery in orphaned cubs.
- Both cubs have been in critical condition but are improving, with the zoo preparing them for gradual social interaction to enhance their quality of life in captivity.
