Summary:
– Meet Fern, our newest mountain lion cub, who arrived at our zoo from Orondo, Washington.
– Fern is one of three orphaned wild cubs who needed a forever home at a zoo.
– She will not be introduced to Rainier, our adult male mountain lion until she reaches a certain weight.
– Fern resides behind the scenes at our Animal Health Center and will not be publicly visible until Summer 2023.
Have you heard the positive news? We have a charming new addition to our zoo family – meet Fern, the adorable mountain lion cub who continues to capture our hearts as she grows up behind the scenes in Hershey. This courageous female cub arrived in January from Orondo, Washington, and her journey to finding a forever home at our zoo is truly remarkable. Let’s dive into the fascinating tale of Fern, the orphaned mountain lion cub!
Fern is not alone in her story. She is one of three orphaned wild cubs who, due to unfortunate circumstances, needed to find a haven at a zoo. While her two brothers have found a home together at another accredited zoo in the Northeast, Fern embarked on a journey to our zoo, where she would receive the care, love, and protection she deserves.
Fern lives behind the scenes at our Animal Health Center, where our dedicated team ensures her well-being and growth. She is nurtured and provided with a safe and enriching environment, allowing her to thrive and develop into a strong and magnificent mountain lion.
But why is Fern being kept away from the public eye? Patience is key in building relationships, especially regarding animal introductions. During the introduction process, we want to ensure the well-being and safety of Fern and Rainier, our adult male mountain lion. For this reason, Fern will not be introduced to Rainier until she reaches a weight of at least 60 pounds. This milestone ensures that Fern will be physically ready to meet Rainier and begin their journey together.
The anticipation of bringing Fern and Rainier together is palpable, and we expect the introductions to take place this summer. The bond they will form is crucial for their well-being and plays a vital role in conservation efforts. Through facilitating natural social interactions between individuals of the same species, zoos contribute to preserving and protecting endangered species like mountain lions, helping to ensure their survival for future generations to admire and appreciate.
While we eagerly await Fern’s introduction to Rainier, we understand that not seeing her in person may be disappointing for our animal-loving visitors. However, rest assured that our priority lies in providing Fern with the best possible care and ensuring her successful integration into her new family. The wait will be worth it, as we believe seeing Fern and Rainier together will be a truly captivating and unforgettable experience.
In the meantime, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of mountain lions in the natural world. Did you know that mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are skilled hunters and incredibly adaptable creatures? Their powerful hind legs allow them to leap impressive distances, often reaching up to 15 feet in a single bound. It’s truly astonishing to witness their agility and strength in the wild.
As apex predators, mountain lions play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. By regulating prey populations, they help prevent overgrazing and maintain overall biodiversity. So, while we patiently wait to glimpse Fern, let’s take a moment to appreciate these magnificent creatures’ important role in our natural world.
In conclusion, Fern’s arrival at our zoo begins an incredible journey. As she continues to grow behind the scenes, we eagerly anticipate her introduction to Rainier, our adult male mountain lion. While the wait may be challenging, we understand the significance of this process for Fern’s future and the conservation efforts surrounding her species. So, let’s celebrate Fern’s presence in our zoo and appreciate the remarkable nature of mountain lions. Together, we can ensure these awe-inspiring creatures’ continued protection and preservation for generations to come.
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Source Description
Meet Fern! 🌿
Our newest mountain lion is now 5 months old and continues to capture our hearts as she grows up behind the scenes in Hershey.
ICYMI: This female cub arrived in January from Orondo, Washington. As one of three orphaned wild cubs, she needed to find a forever home at a zoo. Her two brothers have found a home together at another accredited zoo in the Northeast.
She will not be introduced to Rainier, our adult male mountain lion until she is at least 60 pounds. We expect to begin introductions with our male this summer. Please note that she lives behind the scenes at our Animal Health Center and will not be publicly visible until Summer 2023.
