Mountain Lion Captured In Tulsa In 2011 Relocated To Kansas Zoo

A mountain lion found in a tree in a north Tulsa neighborhood in April of 2011 has been relocated from the Tulsa Zoo to the 100 acre Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence, Kansas.

The mountain lion was captured on April 23, 2011.

Since then, Tulsa Zoo has been working to find it a suitable home.

5/3/2011 Related Story: Captured Mountain Lion Continues Her Recovery At Tulsa Zoo

After visiting a number of potential facilities, the Ralph Mitchell Zoo was selected.   

During her stay in Tulsa, Tulsa Zoo officials say no signs, like tattoos or tags, were found to indicate she was once captive. DNA samples were also taken to help determine her origin and her profile matched mountain lions found in the South Dakota area.

The mountain lion arrived in Independence on December 21, 2011.

Assistant Park and Zoo supervisor Barb Beurskens says they are holding the mountain lion in an isolated area until their new habitat is ready.

Beurskens says the lion will join a variety of exotic animals, including a black bear, elk, deer, a bobcat, ducks, monkeys, macaws, pythons, caiman, African spur tortoises, llamas, wallabies, owl and a bald eagle.

The Ralph Mitchell Zoo is located in Independence's Riverside Park and is open daily 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.  Admission is free.