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Orphaned cougar now on display at Winnipeg zoo

The Assiniboine Park Zoo’s newest arrival, an orphaned female cougar cub is now on exhibit for visitors to see, but it still needs a name.

To that end, the zoo is asking for the community’s help in selecting a name for her.

The four-month-old cougar was transferred to Winnipeg in December from the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society. She had been orphaned and was struggling to survive in the wild — cold, dehydrated, lethargic and underweight.

Since arriving in Winnipeg, the cub has been thriving, continuing to gain weight and is in excellent health, according to zoo officials.

A temporary exhibit space has been created for the new cub at the north end of the zoo next to the snow leopard enclosure.

“We’re very pleased to have her on exhibit on a temporary basis so our visitors have a chance to meet her,” Brian Joseph, director of zoological operations, stated in a news release.

“However, we are looking for a home for her at another zoo where she would hopefully be able to participate in the species survival program and help educate people on the cougar species.”

The naming contest can be found on the Assiniboine Park & Zoo Facebook page.