Zoo welcomes orphaned mountain lion kitten

COLORADO SPRINGS — The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announced Monday the addition of a new mountain lion kitten to their zoo family.

The kitten will remain off exhibit and under the care of the zoo's vet team until he is big enough to be safe in his new long-term home.

According to the zoo, the kitten was rescued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and transferred to Colorado Springs. The male kitten was found on a logging road outside of Spokane, Washington. At his age, he would not be able to survive without his mother, the zoo said.

The kitten arrived at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on June 15. The zoo said they estimate his age to be between six and eight weeks, based on his weight, size, and teeth.

The zoo reports the little guy has been settling in since arriving and enjoys wrestling with his stuffed bear, chirping, sleeping, and eating.

The eventual goal is to introduce the new kitten to 1-year-old mountain lion siblings, Sitka and Adira, who also came to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo after being orphaned in Washington.

The zoo said they do not have an exact date on when the kitten will be on exhibit but will provide updates on his progress.