Rescued mountain lion cubs Holly and Hazel will be transferred Wednesday from the Oakland Zoo to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in Southern California, where they’re sure to become popular attractions.
In announcing the move, the Oakland Zoo on Monday shared footage of Holly trying her first hard-boiled egg while gazing approvingly at her keeper after each bite.
“We will be sad to see this lovable pair go, but we are happy to have been able to save both of their lives, and that [California Department of Fish and Wildlife] chose a home they could go to together,” the Oakland Zoo tweeted.
“Before they depart, we are helping these rapidly-growing rescued mountain lions continue to develop, both mentally and physically.”
The cubs were rescued about a month apart, abandoned and unable to fend for themselves.
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Holly arrived at the Oakland Zoo last December at 3 or 4 months old. She was critically ill but has thrived under the zoo’s care.
Hazel, about a a month older than Holly, was rescued in January. She was emaciated and weighed only 12 pounds. When her “Cone of Shame” and IV unit were removed, she was photographed drinking a milk shake.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo, in Big Bear Lake, has promised to keep them safe and content.
“We can’t wait!” the zoo commented on the Oakland Zoo’s Facebook announcement. “Thanks so much for saving their lives. We’ll provide an excellent furrever home for them.
“Our last 2 mtn lion sisters lived to be 20 and left a big hole in our hearts when we had to say goodbye last year. This will mark a new era for our zoo.”
In a heartwarming and touching video that has captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide, a rescued cougar cub took its very first bite of a hard-boiled egg. This adorable moment not only showcases the resilience of this young predator but also highlights the crucial role of wildlife rescue organizations in preserving our planet’s precious biodiversity.
The video, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, features the rescued cougar cub named Luna. Luna’s journey to this delightful moment began when she was discovered by a team of wildlife conservationists in a remote forested area. Alone and abandoned, the tiny cub faced an uncertain future. But thanks to the dedication and compassion of these conservationists, Luna was given a second chance at life.
The heartwarming video captures Luna’s initial curiosity as she approaches a hard-boiled egg placed before her. With cautious excitement, she sniffs the egg, clearly intrigued by this new experience. After a few moments, she gingerly takes a bite, savoring the taste of her first hard-boiled egg. Luna’s expressions of surprise and delight are a testament to the innate wonder and curiosity of wild animals.
Luna’s journey from a vulnerable, abandoned cub to a thriving young cougar serves as a reminder of the critical work performed by wildlife rescue organizations worldwide. These dedicated individuals and groups are on the front lines, rescuing and rehabilitating animals like Luna, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their natural habitats.
It’s important to remember that the challenges faced by wildlife are often the result of habitat loss, human encroachment, and poaching. The heartwarming video of Luna’s first hard-boiled egg reminds us of the urgent need to protect and conserve these magnificent creatures and the ecosystems they call home.
In addition to showcasing the resilience of wildlife, Luna’s story also highlights the importance of public support for wildlife conservation efforts. By supporting organizations that rescue and rehabilitate animals like Luna, individuals can contribute to the preservation of Earth’s diverse and beautiful wildlife.
As Luna continues to grow and thrive under the care of dedicated professionals, her story reminds us all of the incredible impact that compassion and conservation efforts can have on the lives of animals. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and the enduring connection between humans and the natural world, beautifully encapsulated in Luna’s joyful discovery of her first hard-boiled egg.