In Loving Memory of Nicholas the Mountain Lion

Nicholas's journey with us began on Christmas morning in 2020, when he was just a young cub. Tragically, he and his mother were struck by a car, and while his mother died instantly, Nicholas was left an orphan with severe injuries. He was rushed to a local animal hospital, where it was discovered that he had suffered pelvic fractures and blunt force trauma. The fact that Nicholas survived was nothing short of a miracle.

Despite receiving immediate medical care and undergoing multiple reconstructive surgeries, it became clear that Nicholas would never be able to return to the wild. As if his situation weren’t already heartbreaking, the facility where he was being cared for closed, leaving his future uncertain.

When we learned of Nicholas’s plight, we knew we had to act. We worked tirelessly, even braving a snowstorm, to bring Nicholas to Lions Tigers & Bears, where we could offer him a safe and loving home. Once he settled in, we noticed that Nicholas was particularly sensitive to strangers and excessive movement, which caused him anxiety. To ensure his well-being, we made the decision to build him a new habitat away from public areas and with less noise from neighboring enclosures.

Sadly, despite our best efforts to give Nicholas a peaceful and fulfilling life, he passed away in 2024 due to complications from a fungal disease known as valley fever, which he had been battling since before his arrival at our sanctuary. We are deeply saddened by his loss, but we take comfort in knowing that during his time with us, Nicholas was surrounded by love and care, and he found a place where he could live with dignity. He will be greatly missed by all of us at Lions Tigers & Bears.