Akron Zoo Welcomes New Mountain Lion Cubs

Ozette and Neah make their public debut after being rescued as orphans

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:04am

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene of two young mountain lion cubs playing and exploring their habitat, with soft, warm pools of color and light creating a dreamlike, atmospheric mood.The Akron Zoo's new mountain lion cubs, Ozette and Neah, make their public debut, captivating visitors with their curious and energetic explorations of their new home.Akron Today

The Akron Zoo has welcomed two new mountain lion cubs, Ozette and Neah, who are making their public debut after being rescued as orphans in the Olympic Peninsula. The 7-month-old siblings are slowly being introduced to their new outdoor enclosure and are already captivating visitors with their curious and playful behavior.

Why it matters

The arrival of the mountain lion cubs marks the first time the Akron Zoo has been home to this species. Their introduction is an exciting addition to the zoo's animal collection and provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about and appreciate these majestic predators.

The details

The cubs are being carefully acclimated to their new habitat, with zookeepers allowing them to explore the enclosure at their own pace. Guests are being kept at a distance as the cubs get used to being around people. The zoo has also closed off a nearby play area to prevent the curious cubs from becoming too fixated on the children. Once the cubs are fully settled, the zoo plans to fill the habitat's pool with water and turn on the waterfall to help them play and stay cool in the summer.

  • The cubs, estimated to be around 7 months old, were rescued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife from the Olympic Peninsula.
  • The cubs, named Ozette and Neah, made their official public debut on April 2, 2026.
  • The cubs will be allowed to explore their outdoor enclosure daily until around 12:30 p.m.

The players

Ozette

One of the two mountain lion cubs making their debut at the Akron Zoo. Ozette's nose is pink, which helps distinguish him from his sibling.

Neah

The second mountain lion cub making his debut at the Akron Zoo. Neah's nose is black, which helps distinguish him from his sibling.

Stephanie Chandler

A zookeeper at the Akron Zoo who is overseeing the introduction of the mountain lion cubs to their new habitat.

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What they’re saying

“Groups of people are so new to them. They (the cubs) love to watch.”

— Stephanie Chandler, Zookeeper

“Napping is just another sign that they are adjusting well and are comfortable.”

— Stephanie Chandler, Zookeeper

What’s next

Once the mountain lion cubs are fully settled into their new habitat, the zoo plans to fill the pool with water and turn on the waterfall to provide them with additional enrichment and a way to stay cool during the summer months.

The takeaway

The arrival of the mountain lion cubs at the Akron Zoo is an exciting addition that will allow visitors to learn about and appreciate these majestic predators. The careful introduction of the cubs to their new habitat and the public showcases the zoo's commitment to providing a safe and enriching environment for the animals in their care.