Orphan mountain lion cubs ready for visitors at Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press
·3 min read
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Orphaned mountain lion cubs, Hazel and Holly, are stretching their legs and settling into their forever home at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in the San Bernardino Mountains.

On Tuesday, Zoo staff said the lion cubs have moved out of quarantine and are now living in their permanent home next to “Baby the Bobcat” and across the way from “Bodhi the Wolf.”

Earlier this year, the orphaned cubs received extensive veterinary treatment and critical care at the Oakland Zoo after they were found in a vulnerable state, San Bernardino County officials said. Arriving from the Santa Cruz Mountains just a few weeks apart, the cubs were treated in the Oakland Zoo’s veterinary intensive care unit for malnutrition, dehydration, anemia and severe muscle loss.

After treatment, wildlife experts from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife deemed the duo "non-releasable."

The staff at Big Bear Alpine Zoo took over the care of the animals and used the zoo’s pre-existing exhibit set up for mountain lions.

Orphaned mountain lion cubs, Hazel and Holly, are stretching their legs and settling into their forever home at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Orphaned mountain lion cubs, Hazel and Holly, are stretching their legs and settling into their forever home at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Cubs move in

Upon arrival at the Alpine Zoo in early May, the cubs underwent a mandatory quarantine period, a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the well-being of the cubs and existing zoo residents and minimizing the risk of introducing illnesses.

During the quarantine period, the mountain lion exhibit was modified to accommodate the teenage cubs.

Holly and Hazel are in excellent shape and have gained weight steadily as their diets have increased and new foods have been introduced, said Zoo Curator Jessica Whiton.

The cats are also being introduced to enrichment devices, Whitson added.

Welcoming visitors

After a successful quarantine period, the cubs are gradually being introduced to their new exhibit and becoming acclimated to zoo visitors.

Visitors are advised that Hazel and Holly are still getting used to their new surroundings and sometimes hide from view.

County staff has produced a video, which tells more about Hazel and Holly’s story.

Former Zoo Curator and current Regional Manager for Big Bear Valley Recreation & Park District Bill Hoffman emphasizes the zoo's commitment to both animal welfare and environmental education.

"Our goal is always to rehabilitate and release animals whenever possible, but we also serve as a sanctuary for those that cannot survive in their natural habitat,” Hoffman said. “Through our work, we strive to foster respectful coexistence between humans and wildlife. Our mission is always conservation, rehabilitation, and education."

Hoffman said the cubs are unrelated.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

The zoo has a rich experience of caring for mountain lions and other mountain-climate animals in need of care and shelter.

The public is invited to stay updated on the cubs’ journey by following the Alpine Zoo on Facebook and Instagram. The zoo’s social media sites also have information on all of the other animals and birds representing more than 85 species of animals on exhibit at the zoo.

Visitors can see Hazel and Holly from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, 42801 Moonridge Road in Big Bear Lake.

Tickets can be purchased on-site or online at bigbearzoo.org. For more information, call 909-584-1299.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Orphan mountain lion cubs ready for visitors at Big Bear Alpine Zoo