Pair of orphaned cougar cubs finds a new home at Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is a little fuzzier this month as two orphaned cougar cubs settle in behind the scenes. Found wandering in southwest Washington last month, the littermates — a male and a female — were rescued and brought to the zoo by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff, who determined the youngsters would not have survived 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.”

The pair are being cared for at the zoo’s veterinary medical center, and care staff estimate they’re about 5 months old. The male is the larger of the two, though at a recent vet check both cubs weighed in at about 20 pounds. Eventually they’ll 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 said. “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 Oregon Zoo is home to many animals that were found orphaned or injured in the wild. From sea otters to black bears, these “second chance” residents serve as ambassadors for their species, helping to educate visitors and raise awareness on behalf of their wild counterparts.

To see video of the cubs, visit bit.ly/cougar-cubs.