National Wildlife Health Center

Three Orphaned Mountain Lion Cubs Rescued in San Diego

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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SAN DIEGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently rescued three orphaned mountain lion cubs. The cubs—approximately 6 weeks old at the time of their rescue—were each found separately following an extensive search over the span of a week. Each cub was treated in the field for dehydration before being taken to Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Because the young lions were orphaned at an early age, they cannot be safely reintroduced into their native habitat. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife designated the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as a safe haven for the rescued cubs, offering them a second chance and lifelong care.

Key Points: 
  • SAN DIEGO, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently rescued three orphaned mountain lion cubs.
  • The California Department of Fish and Wildlife designated the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as a safe haven for the rescued cubs, offering them a second chance and lifelong care.
  • "Mountain lions are a keystone species right here in our own backyard" said Lisa Peterson, executive director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
  • "Our UC Davis mountain lion study team really appreciated the help from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the effort to locate the cubs, and the willingness of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to give them excellent care long term," said Dr. Winston Vickers, director, Southern California Mountain Lion Program, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center.

California Condor Recovery Program Implements Vaccines in Pre-Release Condors Based on Early Trial Results

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 16, 2023
Partnership, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Hope, Bird, Vaccine, Eye, Organization, Oregon Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Mortality, Genetics, LOS, USDA, United States Department of Agriculture, Disease, Gymnogyps, California condor, Vaccination, Central Geological Service, Animal Health, SAN, Zoo, National Wildlife Health Center, United States Navy systems commands, Nature, HPAI, Veterinary medicine, Hunting, Service

LOS ANGELES and SAN DIEGO, and PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) is sharing early results from the historic vaccine trial for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in California condors (Gymnogyps californianus). As reported by the Service's Incident Command leading the effort, results from the first test group showed that 60% of the condors produced measurable antibodies that are expected to provide partial protection against mortality from HPAI if the birds are exposed.

Key Points: 
  • Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) is sharing early results from the historic vaccine trial for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in California condors (Gymnogyps californianus).
  • Zoo), San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA), and the Oregon Zoo as longtime California Condor Recovery Program partners, and with a new recovery partner, the Carolina Raptor Center.
  • None of this important work would be possible without the collaboration from all our partners," said Ashleigh Blackford, California Condor Recovery Program Coordinator for the Service.
  • The California Condor Recovery Program has long been an example of how partnerships can help promote recovery of endangered species.