Stoneham Zoo Debuts New Cougar Kitten

STONEHAM (CBS) -- There's a new baby cougar at the Stone Zoo with a stirring backstory.

The cougar kitten named Blue, who is about 10 weeks old, came to Massachusetts from central Idaho. He was "found alone and unable to survive on his own" by Idaho wildlife officials.

"While we do wish that Blue would've been able to remain in the wild, it just was not possible for his survival," Zoo New England CEO John Linehan said in a statement. "We are happy that we can provide a home for him, and we know that he will bring joy to so many as they have the opportunity to watch him grow."

Blue is currently in a temporary nursery after a month-long stay in a zoo hospital at the Franklin Park Zoo. He needed dedicated care and bottle feeding by zoo staff every four to five hours.

When he's bigger in a few months, Blue will be moved to the cougar exhibit to interact with others in his species.

"Blue is continuing to thrive," Linehand said. "He has been practicing his pouncing and stalking skills, and is a very curious kitten."

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