An orphaned mountain lion cub rescued in Santa Cruz County earlier this week is being treated at the Oakland Zoo, where its health has been improving according to zoo officials.
Zoo officials wrote on Twitter that California Department of Fish and Wildlife workers brought the emaciated cub, now dubbed Holly, to Oakland on Monday night after a Santa Cruz resident noticed the cub on her property and called them. After waiting to see if the cub’s mother returned for it, wildlife officials brought it to the zoo’s hospital.
Zoo spokesperson Erin Dogan said Thursday that Holly’s energy is “definitely up.” Dogan said doctors told her, “Holly is continuing to improve. She’s maintaining hydration, blood glucose, and temperature. She’s also eating reliably and getting feistier. Her bloodwork still looks good today.” “Still a long road ahead, but she is responding well to treatment,” Dogan said.
Doctors think Holly is 3 to 4 months old and she was considered critically ill when brought in. The Oakland hospital treated her with fluids, vitamins, anti-nausea medication, and anti-parasitic medication.
Dogan said staff named her Holly for the holidays.