Ten weeks ago, two frightened mountain lion cubs arrived at the Phoenix Zoo. Today, Fern and Thistle are growing stronger every day, each more than doubling in size and weight, thanks to expert care, a strong sibling bond and a safe new home in the Zoo’s Big Cats of Arizona habitat.
From Rescue to Recovery
The cubs’ journey began in California, where they were found orphaned, malnourished, frightened and huddled beneath a car. Rescued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Peninsula Open Space Trust, they received emergency care at the Oakland Zoo before finding their forever home here in Phoenix.
Their story reminds us how critical rescue networks are for wildlife in crisis and how fortunate they are to now thrive in a space designed for them.
A Habitat Made for Mountain Lions
The Big Cats of Arizona Habitat is the perfect place for Fern and Thistle to grow up. With natural rock features, shaded dens and plenty of space to explore, it offers everything they need to develop and thrive. While they are not quite out on public view yet, the cubs are spending time in the side yard and night house as they acclimate to their new surroundings.
According to Senior Keeper-Carnivores, Ryan Griffith, their personalities are beginning to shine. Thistle is the bold and curious sibling, quick to engage with enrichment and eager to approach keepers, especially when food is involved. Fern is calmer and more cautious, often preferring to observe from a distance, though Ryan is confident she’s just as active and playful when staff aren’t around.
Whether curled up together or lounging apart, the cubs remain closely attuned to one another, showing the deep sibling bond that has helped them through their early struggles.
Growing, Playing, and Learning
Both cubs are teething, which means lots of chewing and some delightfully “funky smiles” as baby teeth linger alongside new adult ones. They enjoy leafy branches, bark-covered logs, paper bags and anything that moves, from bowling pins to boomer balls. These playful activities aren’t just fun, they’re essential for healthy growth and development.
Looking Ahead: Building the Doornbos ARCC
Fern and Thistle’s rescue is a powerful reminder of why the Phoenix Zoo is building the Doornbos Animal Rescue & Care Center. While the Big Cats of Arizona Habitat is the perfect home for them now, many animals in crisis still need a safe place to land. The Doornbos Animal Care and Rescue Center will provide state-of-the-art facilities to care for orphaned, injured or displaced wildlife in critical need of help.
Every gift to the Zoo helps create a safe space where animals like Fern and Thistle can recover, grow and inspire us all to protect wildlife. Their resilience is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together in support of conservation.
On behalf of Fern, Thistle and the countless animals who will benefit from your support, thank you for making this possible.
Learn more and support the Doornbos Animal Rescue & Care Center: phoenixzoo.org/holding
