Rain and Clover, who were rescued in different states, were brought together as companions
Credit: Zoo New York
NEED TO KNOW
- Clover and Rain, two orphaned mountain lion cubs, were rescued separately and now live together at Zoo New York
- Clover was found in critical condition and received life-saving care, including blood transfusions, at Oakland Zoo
- Rain was found alongside her dead mother in Washington state
Two orphaned mountain lions are settling into their new shared home after being rescued separately.
The two female cubs, named Clover and Rain, recently arrived at Zoo New York, located in Thompson Park in Watertown, N.Y., after traveling from California’s Oakland Zoo.
The pair is currently in quarantine and not on display for guests to view. They’ll remain off-exhibit as they get used to the environment, according to the zoo’s Facebook page, which also stated that the pair will receive assistance from its animal care team.
According to the Oakland Zoo, Clover was initially found severely underweight, dehydrated, and in critical condition by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in early 2026.
The veterinary team at Oakland Zoo then provided her with emergency treatment, including life-saving blood transfusions and care for a severe tick infestation.
The Oakland Zoo worked with the CDFW to determine Clover’s permanent home, as she could not be returned to the wild.
Rain, another orphaned cub, was identified as being a “compatible companion” for Clover, as she also had a “difficult beginning.”
Rain was found alongside her dead mother in Washington state and was rescued because she was unable to survive on her own due to her age, as reported by local outlet NNY 360.
“While our role is providing critical rescue, medical care, and stabilization, seeing cubs like Clover recover and thrive in their forever homes is one of the most rewarding parts of our work,” the Oakland Zoo statement said.
Clover was around four months old when she was found and is reportedly the 32nd mountain lion rescued by the Oakland Zoo. Rain was estimated to be about six months old when she was rescued, NNY 360 reported.
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Zoo New York has been updating its social media followers on the progress of Clover and Rain with photos and videos.
A recent clip shows the two big cats roaming their private habitat space and climbing onto a fence.
“These moments help our animal care team observe their behavior, comfort, and curiosity without interrupting their routine,” Zoo New York said.
Clover and Rain are expected to move into the Bob Johnson Mountain Lion Habitat, where they will join a 15-year-old mountain lion called Ninja, once they adjust to their new surroundings.
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