Found freezing in the snow outside of Calgary last month, an orphaned cougar cub has safely arrived at its new home in Winnipeg.

The newest resident of the Assiniboine Park Zoo, the three-month old female was half-starved and severely underweight when turned over to the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society on Nov. 11.

Despite her cute appearance, the society’s new charge was described as “very cranky” during her stay — a good sign, said society spokeswoman Andrea Hunt.

“We consider that to be really good,” she said.

“Animals that are really lethargic and docile — we don’t consider that a good sign.”

An accredited zoo located in southwestern Winnipeg, APZ has experience caring for the big cats, currently housing two adult cougars in its collection.

Accustomed to dealing with injured birds, hares and porcupines, the young cougar was a first for the Calgary-based wildlife rescue society.

The search for her new home began almost immediately as captive cougars typically don’t fare well when released back into the wild, Hunt said.

“A fear of humans is critical to the survival of wild animals,” she said.

Captive cougars, she said, tend to lose their fear of human contact, leading to animals paying frequent visits to towns and cities — a risky endeavour for both people and the cat.

Leaving the cub where she was found would have certainly led its death due to her poor physical condition.

With euthanization the only other option, finding the right home was crucial Hunt said.

After being declared healthy enough to travel, the cougar was loaded into a crate Friday and flown to her new home in Winnipeg.

Arriving with a voracious appetite, Assiniboine Park Zoo communications manager Laura Cabak said the baby cougar seems to be adapting well to zoo life.

“We’re still considering a few options for her at this time,” Cabak said.

“We’re working to make her comfortable and used to her new surroundings.”

bryan.passifiume@sunmedia.ca

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