The mountain lion receives treatment for his injuries. Image: Facebook/Oakland Zoo
An orphaned mountain lion cub is on the way to recovery after being rescued from a wildfire in California, USA.
A firefighter spotted the animal on Sept. 30 and eventually worked with veterinarians to transport him to the Oakland Zoo. The cub arrived at the center at around 7:15 p.m. of the same day, the zoo said in a statement on Oct. 1.
Dr. Lynette Waugh worked with staff veterinary technicians to quickly examine the young lion, who weighed only 3.75 pounds. They learned that he had sustained severe burns, especially to his paws, and that his whiskers were singed off. The cub also had severe irritation in his eyes.
After assessing him, the team cleaned him and gave him antibiotics, medicine and milk formula for kittens. Following initial tests, doctors performed X-rays on him and assured that there was no damage to his bones or lungs.
Another veterinarian, Dr. Alex Herman, added that he is already eating on his own and “acting feisty.”
The zoo later named the cub Captain Cal, after the mascot of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It also posted a photo of the young lion on Facebook as he received treatment for his injured paws.
Captain Cal is set to live in a “suitable forever home” after he recovers since he is orphaned and will be unable to learn survival skills alone in the wild. /ra
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