From Orphan Cubs to New Beginnings: Spruce and Juniper’s Heartwarming Journey to the Birmingham Zoo
The animal kingdom often mirrors our own stories of loss, resilience, and companionship. This week, two young mountain lions—Spruce and Juniper—captured hearts across the nation as they began a new chapter together at Alabama’s Birmingham Zoo, shining a spotlight on the challenges and hope for wild cats in North America.
Spruce, a mountain lion cub from California, was rescued in January after tragedy struck: authorities believe his mother was killed by a car on Portola Valley Road, not far from where he and his siblings, Fern and Thistle, were found. The trio became the latest among over 30 mountain lions saved in recent years by the Oakland Zoo’s Mountain Lion Rescue Program, an initiative aimed at giving orphaned or injured cougars a second chance at life.
As fate would have it, another cub, Juniper, was in need of a companion after being rescued by a Montana farmer. Animal care teams from the Birmingham and Oakland Zoos saw an opportunity not just for rescue, but renewal. Spruce and Juniper were expertly paired based on their personalities, and their reunion was nothing short of magical. Staff reported touching moments of the cubs cuddling, playing, and even chirping—a form of mountain lion communication that signals trust and comfort.
Transporting Spruce over 2,000 miles to his new home was no small feat. With careful coordination, FedEx donated all logistics through its “Delivering for Good” program, and the Oakland Zoo team worked tirelessly to train Spruce for his journey—using positive reinforcement so he’d enter his travel crate calmly and confidently for his early morning flight. “He and Juniper have already had positive interactions under the guidance of Birmingham Zoo and Oakland Zoo animal care professionals,” shared Birmingham Zoo CEO Chris Pfefferkorn, reflecting a shared ambition for the cubs to thrive together.
Yet, beneath the joy, a stark warning remains. Mountain lions in California and beyond face escalating dangers from vehicle strikes, wildfires, and shrinking habitats, bringing them into ever-closer contact and conflict with humans. “We are excited that a wonderful home has been found for Spruce,” said Oakland Zoo CEO Nik Dehejia, “but we hope that in the future, measures will be implemented to prevent the need for these rescues. Coexistence is essential for the survival of this species.”
For now, as Spruce and Juniper acclimate to the safety of their night house and look forward to exploring Birmingham’s newly opened Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing habitat, their story stands as a testament to collaboration and compassion—reminding us of what’s possible when human hands mend what fate has broken. Their journey is just beginning, and so is the conversation about how we can ensure wild cats like them still roam our landscapes for generations to come.
What do you think about these animal rescues and the efforts to support mountain lions in the wild? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you’ve visited the Birmingham Zoo’s new habitat!
