Three-week-old mountain lion cub rescued by California biologists

[erronis]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/04/mountain-lion-cub-crimson-california

Crimson, seen alone in Santa Monica mountains for days, gets care in Oakland zoo after mother nowhere to be found

Crimson, a mountain lion cub, was abandoned by his mother in the Santa Monica mountains. Photograph: Oakland Zoo

It was an unusual scene. A lion cub alone for days in southern California's sprawling Santa Monica mountains, emitting a noise that sounded like a cross between a purr and a light squeal, perhaps calling out for his mother.

Where was his mother?

The National Park Service's biologists, who monitor the recreation area's small mountain lion population, visited the cub's location on several occasions.

They surmised that his mother had likely moved to another den, abandoning the cub in the process.

The lion kitten's health was taking a turn for the worse. He appeared weaker and was losing weight.

. . .

[Deuxcents]

1. Take good care of this little one, had a tuff start

[Dan]

2. Is something like that normal - mother finding another den and abandoning her cub?

[erronis]

3. Probably not - voluntarily. But something may have forced it. Please watch this incredible video:

https://video.nepm.org/video/willow-diary-of-a-mountain-lion-hr8mju/

If it's not immediately watchable, you should be able to find another site online.

[Bayard]

4. I'm wondering if something happened to the mom

Although, the article says he's missing some toes, so mother may have figured he would not survive.

Poor little guy.

[slightlv]

9. I agree...

One of the feistiest, longest-lived cats I ever rescued was a tiny, tiny kitten who'd been abandoned by her Mom. She was an orange tabby (they're usually male), was polydactyl, and so small she fit completely in the palm of my hand. But boy, did she have a LOUD voice! (LOL) I heard her from inside the house... grabbed the hubby and started searching outside for where the squeal was coming from. She was a fighter from the very beginning. The vet tried to warn me she was too young and would probably not make it, but I wouldn't hear of that... and neither would she! She lived to be almost 25 years old... neurotic, tolerated other cats, but LOVED dogs... especially my border collie. Named her 'Puter cause if you ever lost her, you could always find her on top of my PC. She's been gone for almost a decade now... I still miss her. Her mom didn't know the treasure she left behind...

[Skittles]

5. "Crimsom and Clover"

[CatWoman]

7. over and over

[Skittles]

8. heh

"those of us of a certain age" LOL

[LoisB]

6. Awww

[MustLoveBeagles]

10. Absolutely adorable 🥰

[MarineCombatEngineer]

11. These wild life rehabilitators are godsend angels for helping these animals.

They restore my faith in humanity.