Bonded cougar cubs are ready for ‘next chapter’ at Washington wildlife park

Sullivan and Sienna, two rescued cougar cubs, are embarking on a new chapter in their lives as they make their public debut at a Washington wildlife park.

Sullivan, rescued near Spokane, and Sienna, rescued in New Mexico, will share an outdoor exhibit open to view by the public at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park beginning Friday, July 18, officials said in a news release.

“These cubs have shown incredible resilience, and now they’re ready for this next chapter,” curator Becca McCloskey said in the release. “They’ve formed a strong social bond and giving them the chance to grow and explore together is a beautiful part of their story.”

Sullivan was found “alone, malnourished, and dehydrated” in March, the park said. He still has a slight limp as he continues recovering from his injuries.

Sienna was rescued in mid-April after being spotted alone in a tree near Española, New Mexico, the park said in an earlier news release. She was “dehydrated and skinny” but otherwise in good health.

Sullivan and Sienna have bonded while recovering behind the scenes at the wildlife park, officials said.

“Watching them bond has been heartwarming,” McCloskey said in the release. “They play, explore, and comfort each other. Seeing them take this step side by side is a big moment for all of us.”

Located in Eatonville, a 35-mile drive south of Tacoma, the wildlife park is home to more than 100 animals native to the Northwest. The 725-acre park is celebrating its 50th anniversary.