A Tale of Two Pumas

Last November, puma cubs Blizzard and Snow made their way to the Minnesota Zoo from Washington state. At only 6 months the old, the cubs were found orphaned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Deemed too young and lacking the critical hunting skills they would need to survive in the wild without their mother, officials reached out to the Minnesota Zoo for help, where staff immediately sprang into action.

Upon arrival at the Zoo, Blizzard and Snow spent several weeks behind -the -scenes under close supervision receiving medical care and acclimating to their new home. In December 2024, they made their debut on the Zoo’s Minnesota Trail.

Once faced with an uncertain future, Blizzard and Snow are now thriving. “For two young animals born in the wild, they have adapted to life in human care extremely well,” says Zookeeper Nolan Schlichter. “Both are healthy, active, and have begun training plans that will allow them to voluntarily participate in routine medical care.”

Though they share a rescue story, the two brothers have very different personalities. “Blizzard is much more confident, outgoing, and bold,” Nolan shares. “Snow tends to be more reserved.”

As part of the extraordinary care they receive at the Zoo, the brothers regularly participate in a variety of enrichment activities that provide mental and sensory stimulation and encourage them to engage their instincts. Blizzard and Snow especially enjoy carcass feedings like rabbit or goat legs, a form of dietary enrichment which allows them to engage in natural hunting behaviors.

The Minnesota Zoo has a long legacy of caring for rescued pumas. Since 1985, the Zoo has welcomed more than a dozen orphaned cubs, contributing to the Puma Species Survival Plan and ensuring that these animals continue to inspire and educate the public about their wild counterparts.

Snow and Blizzard’s story is a powerful reminder of what donor support makes possible. From providing expert medical care to customized nutrition and enrichment plans, your gifts help ensure that rescued animals thrive at the Zoo. Thank you!