Orphaned cougars find permanent home after hunter killed mother near Canmore

CANMORE – Two cougar kittens orphaned last month when their mother was killed by a hunter near Canmore have been found a permanent home.

According to a Facebook post on Thursday (March 27), the two five- to six-month-old kittens that had been in temporary care at the Calgary Zoo were shipped to their new home on Wednesday (March 26).

Their new home is not being announced at this time “to allow the receiving facility the opportunity to announce their arrival in due course.”

“During their time with us, our Animal Health team gave them a full physical examination, confirming they are male and female siblings,” states the Facebook post.

“Though they arrived mildly underconditioned, they quickly found their footing, gaining over 10 per cent of their body weight in just their first week with us.

“With steady meals and exceptional care, we watched them grow and become more confident as the days passed.”

The mother cougar was killed by a hound hunter near Gap Lake on Feb. 10, orphaning her two young kittens.

After capturing the two young ones in the coming days, Alberta Fish & Wildlife contacted the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo to provide them with a temporary home while a more permanent solution could be found.

“Our purpose is to act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring others to join us,” states the March 27 Facebook post.

“It was our privilege to be a part of these young cats’ story, providing them with the dedicated care and safety they needed during this critical time in their lives.”