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Project Noah Nature School
Puma concolor
This baby Mountain Lion is a very special and rare case and also very personal for me. At 5 months old and about 3 1/2 feet long, she was found in Sonoma, CA very sick and apparently abandoned by her mother. Rescue and rehabilitation of Mountain Lions in California is illegal but, fortunately, there are loopholes in certain cases like this one. We were planning on giving her to a Zoo if she could pass the "treatable disease" test. She didn't (shaved belly, picture 6). As I spent my precious 45 minutes with her, realizing her weakness from her incurable disease, I was able to get with in a foot of her but not initially. At first she growled and hissed at me with what was barely a whisper while she shook with fear. But after talking to her softly and constantly and slowly getting closer, she turned playful, started to purr while rubbing her head on a log and cleaned herself; hissing at my intrusive presence every so often-as if to say, "I'm watching you." Normally, talking to wild animals is far from encouraged. After I put food next to her she chowed down uncontrollably on a deer fetus... Because she cannot go to a zoo there is only one fate left for her. It breaks my heart to know that she will pass away very soon. On a personal note, its hard spending all of my time trying to save wild cats and the environment while the spirit of the mountains lies helpless, right in front of me with nothing I can do, to its oncoming fate. Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, Petaluma, CA.
Spotted on Jul 24, 2013
Submitted on Jul 25, 2013
32 Comments (1–25)
Thank you namitha. I like the way you think ;)
That is truly an irony. I think, this new phrase "urbanized predators" is an apt phrase, which also reminds us, that it's really we, who have urbanized them. I think the tigers of Indian forests could also be considered under this category. It's a really great work that you and your team are doing. Good luck. Congratulations.
Thank you very much namitha. Ironically, it is because of human encroachment she was found. Mountain Lions just recently are now being considered as "urbanized predators" because of how much of their land we've taken and I think these types of situations will probably only increase.
Thank you for sharing this story, Joshua. Really sad, but happy to know that she was in such caring hands in her last days. Every animal in the wild don't get the same privilege, especially due to the increased poaching and habitat destruction. Thank you.
thank you joacog1
UPDATE! These photos have been cleared by my director now that the case has gone cold and can now be shared. Thank you to everyone for your support.
Thank you Kranti :)
nice series and info !!
Thanks Jemma and outsidegirl0 :)
cute!
R.I.P little Puma!!
Joshua,we share your grief.
Heartbreaking.
RiekoS, patty, and Harsha-Thank you all for your appreciation and really nice comments. Unfortunately, I found out she passed away 2 mornings ago.
She is beautiful! Sad to know she is dying but good to know she in caring and loving hands before leaving. Just celebrate her being there. You are surely making a great deed comforting her and making it easy for her. Good luck to you both.
...so sad, it must be hard to go through this and your time and effort trying to save wild cats is very, very meaningful; thank you.
Thank you very much for sharing such personal and beautiful pictures.
I am sure that many of Project Noah people can understand how you feel and appreciate your sharing this. Your feeling is not alone…..
Thank you Adarsha. Yours, and everyone else's comments are some of the best and heart-felt i have ever received. I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
And its very sad you were helpless. : ( But care and love you showed is equal to saving a life Joshua....A lesson to mankind :)
This series is one in million my friend :) Wonderful series ! and very lovely composed story behind the spotting :)
Wow! Thanks you so much Jemma for all the info. Really appreciate it! :) And thank you Maria for the understanding! I think if its anyone who can relate to me the best on here for the rehabilitation of wild cats, its you. :)
My heart goes out to you, Joshua. Volunteering for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation can indeed be heartbreaking. At least she is spending her last days in comfort and hopefully little pain. Thanks for posting this as it is educational; many people don't know it is illegal to rescue and rehabilitate various species of animals in different states and countries.
Joshua,i recommend ,George and Joy Adamson books. Born Free , Living Free and Forever Free, The Great Safari ,Penny the Leopard and Pippah the chitah etc.
If you visit George Adamson's Website you might get more info. George Adamson was one of the biggest Conservationists of our time and he was involved with the rehab of big cats too.
The Born Free Foundation deals with very similar stuff. You should strike a conversation with them , They respond and they might relate with you too.
Thank you also Subin :)
Well thanks Jemma. :) Yeah its hard not becoming attached to this type of work and lifestyle, especially when its your job to remain unattached. Whatever happens to her will be for the best, I'm sure. Thanks again Jemma.
Great Effort Joshua.!