Community Corner

Rescued Mountain Lion Cubs Get New Names Thanks To Tucson Kids

The rescued mountain lion brothers now have names — and a heartwarming connection to Tucson kids.

TUCSON, AZ — Two rescued mountain lion cubs at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum have names now, thanks to a group of Tucson kids.

Meet Moonbead and Pretzel.

The names were chosen by children and teens served by Beads of Courage, a Tucson nonprofit that supports young people coping with serious illnesses.

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The opportunity came through the museum’s annual Desert Gala in April, when a supporter won naming rights for the two brother cubs and decided to share that honor with Beads of Courage kids instead of keeping it for themselves.

Dozens of name ideas came in from the children, who voted to crown Moonbead and Pretzel as the winners.

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“This unique opportunity fostered a special new partnership with another local nonprofit that is doing great work in the community,” said Lynnae Wenker, director of philanthropy at the Desert Museum. “We look forward to watching Moonbead and Pretzel as they learn, play and grow up here at their new home in the desert.”

The museum said the naming process became more than a fundraiser. It gave children facing major medical challenges a chance to leave their mark on two of the museum’s newest animal ambassadors.

The brothers have already become crowd favorites since their public debut. Visitors can see Moonbead and Pretzel at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on Tucson’s west side.

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