Rescued mountain lion cubs settle into new home at Tucson’s Desert Museum

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is caring for two rescued mountain lion cubs, believed to be about 5 months old. The brothers were found alone near the Washington–Idaho border, and with no sign of their mother, they were too young to survive in the wild.

Now, they’re safe in Tucson — and doing well.

Cruz, the Desert Museum's sole mountain lion for 13 years, was put down in November due to ongoing medical issues.

Since arriving at the Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, on March 21, the cubs have been settling in behind the scenes, where they’re healthy, curious and slowly getting used to their new surroundings.

For now, they’re not on public view as staff focus on helping them adjust, but the plan is to introduce them to a habitat visitors can see in the coming weeks.

And here’s where it gets fun: they still need names.

As part of the Desert Museum’s annual Desert Gala on April 26, supporters will have the chance to bid on naming the cubs during a live auction. The winning names will stick with them for life — a pretty unforgettable way to leave your mark.

Mountain lions are native to Arizona and play a big role in the desert ecosystem. While these two won’t be able to return to the wild, they’ll eventually help educate visitors and serve as ambassadors for their species.

Until then, they’re getting comfortable, growing up — and waiting for names.