The Oregon Zoo has two adorable new arrivals this week, as a pair of orphaned cougar cubs settle in behind the scenes. The littermates, a male and a female, were discovered wandering alone in southwest Washington last month. Rescued by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff, the cubs were brought to the zoo after it was determined they wouldn’t survive on their own in the wild.
“We’re so happy we can provide a home for these cubs,” said Jen Osburn Eliot, who oversees the zoo’s Great Northwest area. “We wish they could’ve grown up with their mom, but since that’s not possible, we’ll be doing everything we can for them. They’re still shy with people, so we’re giving them time to adjust and explore their new home.”
Currently housed at the zoo’s veterinary medical center, the cubs are estimated to be about four months old. The male, slightly larger than his sister, weighed in at about 20 pounds during a recent vet check. Once they’ve grown and adjusted, the cubs will move into the cougar habitat in the zoo’s Great Northwest area.
“The cubs aren’t ready to venture out yet, but we’re getting the habitat prepared for a lot of activity once they are,” Osburn Eliot added. “In the wild, cougar cubs stay with their moms for at least a year, so we’re giving these two all the time they need to feel safe and comfortable in their new home.”
The Great Northwest cougar habitat has a history of providing refuge for orphaned cougars. Its last resident, Paiute, was also orphaned in the wild. Rescued by Idaho Fish and Game in 2010, Paiute lived at the Oregon Zoo for over a decade before passing away earlier this year at the age of 15.
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Cougars, also known as mountain lions, pumas, catamounts, or panthers in Florida, are native to regions ranging from southwest Canada to South America. While not considered endangered (with the exception of the Florida panther), cougars face significant challenges due to habitat loss and human encroachment.
The Oregon Zoo is committed to helping animals that are orphaned or injured in the wild. From sea otters to black bears, these “second chance” residents serve as ambassadors for their species, educating visitors and raising awareness about the challenges their wild counterparts face.
For more information, visit the Oregon Zoo’s official website at oregonzoo.org.
