Worcester Gets One Of The Biggest Mountain Lion Exhibits In Area

WORCESTER, MA — The EcoTarium museum of science and nature is opening a new exhibit in May — and its big enough to house the big cats that will be inside it. The museum re-purposed a former polar bear habitat to create a permanent mountain lion habitat. It ranges across two stories. The exhibit is scheduled to open to the public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11.

Two mountain lions and several native bird species will be part of the center of Wild Cat Station, a new exhibit in the EcoTarium museum of science and nature. It is one of the largest mountain lion exhibits in the U.S. at 18,500 square feet and meets all accreditation standards and USDA requirements to house large carnivores. Comprised of grass, trees, rocky alcoves and outcroppings that allow the cats to utilize their natural abilities of climbing, scratching and jumping. Museum guests will soon have the opportunity for an up-close experience with the species that were once native to New England and declared extinct in the eastern U.S. in 2018.

“We are excited to bring these kittens to Worcester with the help of our amazing community of supporters who funded Phase II our Third Century Plan.” said EcoTarium President & CEO Lucy Hale.

The brother and sister kittens were found emaciated in Half Moon Bay, California. After observation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife deemed they were orphaned and brought them to Oakland Zoo for vet care. Both were infected with external and internal parasites. The male, in particular, had sustained injuries to his face and principally his nose, most likely due to interactions with other wildlife. Due to their lack of survival skills, they were unable to be returned to their natural environment. Because the Zoo already has three mountain lions acquired in late 2017, the EcoTarium worked with them through Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for safe transport of the cats.

The bird habitats at Wild Cat Station will house vultures, corvid species, and a hawk. All species are native and serve major roles in the ecosystem as predators and scavengers and contribute to rodent control. The site will also offer educational information regarding the use of rodenticide and the implications it has on various species in the natural environment.

The EcoTarium will hold a ceremonial ribbon cutting and exhibit preview for museum members and invited guests on Friday, May 10 at 10 a.m. On Saturday, May 11, Wild Cat Station will be open to the general public as an outdoor exhibit that is included with general admission.