Akron Zoo introduces mountain lions for the first time

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - The Akron Zoo has announced the introduction of a new species to the zoo: mountain lions.

Two cubs were rescued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington after they were orphaned.

The sisters, Ozette and Neah, are currently acclimating to their new home behind the scenes but will make their public debut in the coming months.

They will live in the zoo’s former jaguar habitat

According to the release, the name Neah comes from Neah Bay on the Olympic Peninsula. Ozette is named after Lake Ozette on the peninsula, which is also the location of an archaeological site for a historic Makah Tribe village.

Mountain lions, also known as pumas and cougars, are native throughout North and South America, from southern Alaska to Chile and Florida.

According to a release from the Akron Zoo, they are classified as “least concern” by the IUCN Red List, although their population numbers are declining due to human conflict.