Nearly dead bobcat kitten found in bushes rejoins wild after SD Humane rehab

A young bobcat that nearly died after being found unresponsive in Orange County has returned to the wild following four months of rehabilitation at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center, officials said.

The kitten was discovered by a gardener on Oct. 14 in bushes in San Clemente and taken to Serrano Animal & Bird Hospital, where she required CPR and received a blood transfusion from a cat.

After stabilizing, the fragile animal was transported by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to Ramona on Oct. 18 for specialized care.

“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.”

Veterinary staff treated the bobcat for severe emaciation, anemia and mange, providing iron supplements, fluids and antiparasitic medication. She was housed in an outdoor enclosure designed to mimic her natural habitat, allowing her to regain strength, rebuild her coat and practice hunting skills.

The bobcat was released back into her native habitat on Sunday, Feb. 22.

San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program rehabilitates more than 13,000 wild animals each year. The Ramona Wildlife Center focuses on apex predators and large mammals, including bobcats, bears and mountain lions.