Sedona, AZ:  An orphaned mountain lion cub rescued by Arizona Game and Fish has a new home at Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona, 30 minutes south of Sedona.

The mountain lion cub was rescued near Sells, Arizona and after a recovery period, transported to its new permanent home. On April 29, Chairman Edward Manual of the Tohono O’ogham Nation signed a letter permitting the transfer of the young mountain lion from its temporary home at Adobe Mountain Wildlife Facility to Out of Africa Wildlife Park.

Releasing the orphaned cub back into the wild was not an option, as young mountain lions rely on their mothers to learn hunting and survival skills until they are between one year to 18 months old.

Out of Africa has frequently assisted the Arizona Game and Fish Department with large animal rescues. Two years ago, the department confiscated two illegally owned tigers in Phoenix that have since come to be visitor favorites at the Park.

Representatives from Out of Africa Wildlife Park and Arizona Game and Fish were available for interviews and questions at Out of Africa on Friday, May 6, from 11 am to 12 pm and by appointment only.

Watch: Video of the mountain lion cub in her new home.