THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (KNX) — Four mountain lion kittens were rescued from a Thousand Oaks office park last week.
On Nov. 29, an employee of the building spotted the four kittens, all females estimated to be about six weeks old, underneath a picnic table and was advised by state wildlife officials to leave them be, hoping they might be reunited with their mother overnight.
The next morning, the kittens showed up even closer to the building. California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists and National Park Service officers responded to the property and found the four hidden in some brush. They were administered fluids and outfitted with radio tags.
After being examined, the kittens were placed in a “makeshift den.” Biologists then set up trail cameras nearby to see if their mother might return overnight.
“Mountain lion mothers may leave their kittens for [two to three] days to hunt and then return to the den,” a statement from the National Park Service said.
When their mother did not return, biologists noticed some of the kittens were exhibiting signs of poor health. They rescued the litter once again, but sadly, two of the kittens did not survive the ordeal. The remaining two were transported to an Orange County veterinary hospital for continued treatment and observation.
The survivors have been described as “thin” but active and in stable health condition, according to the park service.
Officers believe the kittens’ mother had likely died or abandoned the litter.
The surviving pair will be temporarily housed at the Orange County Zoo until a more permanent home can be arranged.
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