12 LA Animal Stories That Will Give You The Fuzzy Wuzzies

LOS ANGELES, CA — Angelenos had a busy year, and so did our animal friends. A small cat got stuck in the middle of the freeway, and some big cats bravely crossed them. A baby gorilla and an endangered baby zebra were born at a local zoo, and five Avocet chicks hatched at an aquarium.

Bears continued to meander their way through backyards, going through garbage cans and climbing trees as they traveled, and whales splashed their way up the Southern California coast. All the while, us humans marveled at their existence.

Here are 12 of the cutest animal stories from around L.A. in 2019, they're guaranteed to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling.

1. Kitten Rescued From Freeway Center Divider During Rush Hour

An off-duty LAPD officer spotted a terrified kitten perched on the center divider of a busy LA freeway.

2. It's A Girl! LA Zoo Celebrates Endangered Zebra Birth

For the first time in decades a new zebra is born at the Los Angeles Zoo.

3. Beans, The Deaf Surfing Whippet, Rides Final Wave Into Retirement

She may be retiring from surfing, but she'll keep busy with an upcoming movie, social media stardom and her local celebrity status.

4. Watch: Bears Munch On Trash In Monrovia

A group of bears had fun climbing trees and rummaging through trash for their morning meal in Monrovia.

5. Watch Simba The Bald Eagle Finally Take Flight

He lost a brother to a late season storm and was teased as a late bloomer, but Simba the star of the Big Bear eagle nest cam finally soared.

6. Cat Trapped In Wall Gets Lucky Break

A group of animal control workers happened to be walking to lunch when they noticed a cat stuck in a wall. Of Course, they named him Wally.

7. Gorilla To Have Baby At LA Zoo For First Time In Decades

The hairy, endangered, sure-to-be adorable western lowland baby gorilla is due sometime this holiday season.

8. Grrrl Power! Female Mountain Lion Crosses 101 Freeway

The mountain lion, known as P-65, is the second radio-collared female mountain lion to cross the 101 Freeway.

9. Redondo Man Rescues Cat Stuck In Tree For 8 Days

A professional tree climber from Redondo Beach rescued a kitty who had been stuck in a tree crying for help for more than a week.

10. 5 Avocet Chicks Hatch At Aquarium Of The Pacific In Long Beach

Meet the new baby American avocet chicks, which are now on view at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

11. Lion Becomes Instant Legend For Crossing The 405 Freeway

A young Puma known to researchers as P-61, became the King of the urban jungle as the first big cat ever tracked across the Sepulveda Pass.

12. Young Gray Whale Spotted In Marina Del Rey: Video

The marine mammal was seen spouting water from its blowhole before descending back down into the ocean.

Related: 15 Heart-Warming Stories From Around L.A. In 2019