Good news! The three orphaned mountain lion cubs are doing well

One year ago, three orphaned mountain lion cubs ( later named Fern, Thistle, and Spruce) were rescued in Portola Valley after their mother — likely hit by a car — disappeared. They were taken to the Oakland Zoo for care, where they recovered and were later placed in permanent homes. Here’s an update, first published in the Portola Valley newsletter.

Spruce

Per Birmingham Zoo’s media contact Spruce (right) is doing great in his “furever” home! Spruce lives with a fellow rescued cub, Juniper, in the Alabama Wilds area of the Zoo.

When Spruce arrived he weighed in at 33lbs, his most recent weigh in was December 31,2025, where he weighed in at 85lbs! He is growing well and eating almost 4lbs of meat every day!

Spruce and Juniper spend their days lounging or chasing each other around the habitat. Spruce is definitely in charge, and Juniper follows his lead.

Fern and Thistle

Both Fern (right) and Thistle (left) have acclimated quite well.

Thistle continues to be very bold and charismatic often coming up to the mesh and window to see guests up close.

Fern, while still far more timid than her mischievous brother, does enjoy running around and playing in the evenings.

Both cubs have shown off their amazing climbing skills and are often seen in their tree perches.