Two rescued mountain lion cubs become quick friends and cuddle partners, video shows
Two abandoned mountain lion cubs rescued within weeks of one another quickly became friends and even cuddle partners after they were fully introduced, a California zoo’s video shows.
The cubs, Holly and Hazel, are “growing quite fond of each other,” the Oakland Zoo said in a Feb. 11 Facebook post.
“Holly is a little shy but very spicy — she’s not afraid to use her voice and show us how big and scary she is,” the zoo said.
While Holly seems to be the one always wanting to play, Hazel is quite laid back, according to the zoo.
“Hazel can often be seen snoozing and letting the rambunctious Holly do her thing,” the zoo said.
The zoo said it has been working up to the cubs’ introduction.
Holly and Hazel first met through “a fenced doorway between their spaces at the hospital,” the zoo posted on Feb. 7, along with a video of the two sniffing and gazing at one another from a small gate.
“Was it a ‘mountain lion meet cute?’ Sort of,” the zoo wrote.
At the time of her rescue in late December, the zoo’s veterinarians estimated Holly was between 3 to 4 months old and critically ill, McClatchy News previously reported. She improved vastly in the coming weeks.
“This marvelous mountain lion cub is continuing to get stronger and is exploring her environment more and more,” the zoo wrote in a Jan. 28 update, while also hinting at the two cubs’ upcoming meet and greet.
Hazel was rescued in early January and estimated to be about 4 or 5 months old, McClatchy News reported. Hazel was “severely emaciated,” only weighing about 12 pounds, and also has “severe anemia and hypoglycemia.”
Similar to Holly’s condition, Hazel’s condition also greatly improved, according to a Jan. 20 Facebook post from the zoo.
After receiving a blood transfusion, Hazel was “moved out of intensive care” and given a larger room, the zoo said.
“Her blood work looks great after her transfusion and she’s eating very well,” the zoo wrote.
In a matter of months, the new best friends will live together at Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
“We’re so excited and thrilled to be a part of their journey,” Big Bear Alpine Zoo commented. “Can’t wait to meet them.”
This story was originally published February 13, 2023 at 2:49 PM with the headline "Two rescued mountain lion cubs become quick friends and cuddle partners, video shows."
