Orphaned, Emaciated Mountain Lion Cub Named ‘Rose’ Is Only 8 Pounds; Will It Recover While Undergoing Treatment?

Hikers in the San Francisco area recently spotted an orphaned and emaciated mountain lion club and was taken to the Oakland Zoo, where it was treated by veterinarians who named her "Rose."

As specified in a Phys.org report, according to the zoo's vice president of Veterinary Services, Dr. Alex Herman, the preliminary exam indicated that Rose had not eaten in weeks.

The cub, approximated to be roughly five months old, weighs only 8.8 pounds. The average female cub her age should weigh approximately 30 pounds.

Herman explained, Rose is excruciatingly thin. For her to survive, her body resorted to consuming its muscle mass. The cub lion was also suffering from severe dehydration, and her temperature was very low; it could not even be read.

Recovering Cub

Hikers initially spotted Rose at the Thornewood Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County. They then reported the sighting to authorities, who sent a team of biologists and wildlife officials to search for the cub. The quest lasted five days.

After one day of treatment, veterinarians are guardedly positive about the recovery of the lion cub. Rose is currently receiving fluids and hydration intravenously and bottle-fed small amounts of formula a few times each day. Describing Rose's condition, Herman said they can already tell the cub has a feisty spirit and an apparent will to live, "and we're thankful for that."

According to zoo officials, this lion cub is the 18th orphaned mountain lion cub at Oakland Zoo that has been rescued and rehabilitated from the state since 2017. Of the 18 cubs, three, including Coloma, Toro, and Silverado, are still residing at the Oakland Zoo, ABC7 News said in a similar report.

Mountain Lions

As indicated in a report from the Oakland Zoo's website, mountain lions, in general, are not a threat to humans. Nevertheless, any public safety issue must be reported immediately to local law enforcement.

According to Garrett Allen, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Biologist, the Santa Cruz Mountains, in particular, offer good habitat for mountain lions, although it is rare to see one since they are elusive creatures. "We appreciate the hiker and the team at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District who alerted us to the mountain lion cub and its condition.

The biologist advises the public not to approach a mountain lion if they see one. He said adult animals, when they are out hunting prey, may leave their offspring somewhere safe for up to certain days. Meanwhile, seeing a young animal by itself does not specify that it is an orphan "and intervention is appropriate."

Round-the-Clock Treatment

Currently receiving round-the-clock treatment at Oakland Zoo, Rose, other than starvation and dehydration, was reportedly covered in ticks and fleas.

Blood tests have shown a very low red blood cell count. According to Dr. Ryan Sadler of Oakland Zoo, if her red blood cell count stays low, the plan is to give the lion cub a blood transfusion using one of the previously rescued mountain lions of the zoo, now a permanent resident and fully grown healthy adult as a blood donor. ‍Daily blood tests are done to monitor rose and monitor her weight, as well as other vitals.

A report about the lion cub that was saved and treated in Oakland is shown on ABC News's YouTube video below:

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