3 mountain lion cubs rescued on separate occasions become the cutest bonded trio, proving family is sometimes found, not just born

Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor

Nov 1, 2026 11:00 AM EST

When rescued big cats cannot be released back into the wild, the most important thing is helping them find new purpose.

Mountain lions, and really big cats in general, are some of the most fascinating animals out there. As adults, they're powerful and graceful, capable of navigating enormous territories and thriving in the wild. But as cubs? They're just tiny balls of fluff with oversized paws and the kind of curious expressions that make you want to scoop them up and give them a giant cuddle.

Of course, as much as we'd love to believe every adorable baby animal just needs a little love and a cozy bed, wild animals have very different needs from our house cats. And when something goes wrong, whether they lose their mothers, become injured, or simply aren't old enough to fend for themselves, they need our help - the help of people. Rescuing big cats isn't just about saving their lives, it's about giving these incredible big cats a chance to thrive and find new purpose in their new and different lives.

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via Oakland Zoo
In the field of rescuing big cats in need of help, Oakland Zoo has been doing transformative work for years. Since 2017, they have rescued over 25 mountain lion cubs who otherwise would not have survived on their own. “It’s a demanding process to rehabilitate emaciated, underweight, and orphaned mountain lions,” they explain. “But we're committed to doing everything we can for these animals in need.”
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via Oakland Zoo
Of course, over time, they have had some amazing success stories, but nothing beats the first - the story of Silverado, Toro and Coloma.
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via Oakland Zoo
Their story started in the fall of 2017, when a 3-month-old orphaned mountain lion kitten was found in a residential backyard in Silverado Canyon. The cub was brought to Oakland Zoo for rehabilitation. Barely two weeks later, another orphaned mountain lion cub of about the same age was discovered on a Rancho Santa Margarita roadside. He too was brought to Oakland Zoo.
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via Oakland Zoo
It took a little while for these cubs to get back on their paws, but once they were healthy, they were introduced to each other, and they became immediate friends. Their purrsonalities couldn't have been more different. Silverado was easygoing, trusting and a great training subject, while Toro, on the other hand, was more serious, guarded and a little reclusive. But together, they became a beautifully bonded pair.
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via Oakland Zoo
The third sibling in the family joined a couple months later, when yet another orphaned female cub was found on a roadside in Coloma. This 2-month-old cub was found a few days before Christmas, and she needed extensive treatment before she got better. But then she did, and when she got introduced to her new big brothers, the three hit it off right away.
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via Oakland Zoo
The three of them live in a giant habitat - likely the largest mountain lion habitat in the world. There, they became educational embassadors, teaching guests about mountain lions. Silverado also became a life saving donor, providing essential blood for two future mountain lion rescue cubs, Rose and Hazel. Without him, neither would have made it.
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via Oakland Zoo
Unfortunately, in September of 2022, Toro lost a battle with a rare form of cancer. He is missed to this day by the zoo staff and by his adopted siblings. But his time in the Zoo was incredible, full of joy and love and family. Silverado and Coloma continue to live together, happy and healthy.
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via Oakland Zoo
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via Oakland Zoo
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via Oakland Zoo
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via Oakland Zoo
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via Unsplash / Robin Teng - probablyrobin

Two cute mountain lions resting on a rocky ledge.
_{Stock photography for depiction only.}
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via Unsplash / Andy Holmes

Two cute mountain lions sitting on rocks with one gently cleaning the other.
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via Unsplash / Sam - samtakespictures

Impressive mountain lion sitting alertly in a nature setting.
_{Recreated scenario included to enhance reader understanding.}
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via Unsplash / Dorian Labbe - my_j0urney

Adorable mountain lion lying on its back with its paws tucked.
_{Image for illustrative purposes.}