California Biologists Rescue Abandoned Mountain Lion Cub, Crimson, Now in Oakland Zoo Care
A three-week-old mountain lion cub, named Crimson, was rescued by biologists in the Santa Monica Mountains, California, after being found alone and in deteriorating health. The cub, discovered by the National Park Service's biologists, was abandoned by its mother, possibly due to a physical abnormality such as missing toes. The cub was emaciated and unable to stand when it arrived at the Oakland Zoo in late March. The zoo's chief executive officer, Nik Dehejia, noted that the cub was extremely small, fitting into cupped hands. Crimson is now receiving intensive care at the zoo's veterinary hospital, including bottle feedings every three hours to restore its health. This rescue marks the 33rd mountain lion the Oakland Zoo has taken in, highlighting ongoing challenges such as habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict. 
