Oakland, United States - January 28, 2025 Three orphaned mountain lion cubs, found wandering in Portola Valley, are now recovering at Oakland Zoo after being rescued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Midpeninsula Open Space District. The cubs—Fern, Thistle, and Spruce—were discovered hiding under a car two weeks after their suspected mother was fatally struck by a vehicle nearby. With no sign of the adult lion returning, CDFW intervened, marking the Zoo's 30th mountain lion rescue. Though thin from weeks without care, the three-month-old cubs arrived at the Zoo relatively healthy. They are receiving treatment at the Zoo’s advanced Veterinary Hospital but won’t be able to return to the wild due to their young age and lack of survival skills. Oakland Zoo and CDFW are working to find them a permanent home. Mountain lions in California face growing threats from car strikes, wildfires, and shrinking habitats. “As human development grows, it’s essential we act to ensure wildlife survival,” said Oakland Zoo CEO Nik Dehejia, urging support for wildlife corridors like the recent overpass in Los Angeles. Since 2012, the Zoo has been part of the Bay Area Cougar Action Team (BACAT), dedicated to resolving human-wildlife conflicts and rescuing injured or orphaned mountain lions.