The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s two rescued mountain lion cubs have officially received their names — Moonbead and Pretzel — thanks to a partnership that gave children facing serious illnesses the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on two of the museum’s newest animal ambassadors.
The names were unveiled after children participating in Tucson-based Beads of Courage submitted dozens of creative suggestions before voting for their favorites. The opportunity was made possible by an anonymous donor who won the cubs’ naming rights during the Desert Museum’s annual Desert Gala and chose to share the honor with the nonprofit organization that supports children coping with serious illnesses.
Lynnae Wenker, the museum’s director of philanthropy, said what began as a fundraising opportunity quickly evolved into something much more meaningful…