Resilient Bobcat Returns to the Wild after Months of Specialized Care at San Diego Humane Society

RAMONA, CA — A young bobcat kitten, once fighting for her life against severe emaciation, anemia and mange, is now back where she belongs in the wild. After four months of intensive rehabilitation at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center, the kitten was released back into its native habitat Feb. 22, 2026.

The kitten was found by a gardener in bushes in San Clemente on Oct. 14, 2025. She was taken to Serrano Animal & Bird Hospital in Orange County, where she arrived unresponsive and needed CPR. She also received a blood transfusion from a cat, before the California Department of Fish and Wildlife could safely transport her to Ramona on Oct. 18, 2025.

“The kitten arrived in incredibly poor shape, battling everything from parasites to extreme malnutrition,” said Alexis Wohl, DVM, Wildlife Veterinary Manager at San Diego Humane Society. “Seeing this patient transform from an emaciated kitten with little fur, into a healthy, powerful bobcat ready for the wild is the ultimate reward for our team.”

During her stay in Ramona, the kitten was housed in an outdoor enclosure designed to mimic its natural environment. This allowed the bobcat to build the necessary strength and hunting skills, while recovering her full coat to fur. The veterinary team provided a rigorous course of treatments, including iron supplements, fluids and anti-parasitic medicine to clear infections.

San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program is the primary resource for wild animal rehabilitation in the region. The Ramona Wildlife Center specifically focuses on apex predators and large mammals, including bobcats, bears and mountain lions.

As a nonprofit, San Diego Humane Society relies entirely on donations for its rehabilitation work of more than 13,000 wild animals each year. To support this vital work or learn more, please visit: sdhumane.org/wildlife.