Orphaned Monrovia Bear Cubs Thriving in Wildlife Care

The young brothers are gaining weight and strength under the watchful eye of wildlife specialists.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:19am

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A bold, abstract painting in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex biological and ecological forces at play in the rehabilitation of orphaned bear cubs.Orphaned bear cubs find refuge and recovery in a specialized wildlife rehabilitation center, as experts work to reintegrate them into the natural world.Monrovia Today

Two bear cubs from Monrovia, California, whose mother was euthanized after separate attacks on residents, are making good progress in the care of the Ramona Wildlife Center. The San Diego Humane Society, which runs the facility, says the cubs are exploring their outdoor enclosure and building confidence, with experts working to keep them wild by minimizing human contact.

Why it matters

The fate of these cubs highlights the challenges wildlife officials face when human-bear conflicts escalate, requiring difficult decisions to protect public safety. Their recovery also showcases the important role of wildlife rehabilitation centers in caring for orphaned animals and preparing them for potential release back into the wild.

The details

The cubs were taken to the Ramona Wildlife Center after their mother, known as 'Blondie' by local residents, was euthanized by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. Blondie had attacked an elderly man on his porch last summer and then swiped at a woman walking her dog in March, leading officials to deem her a threat to public safety.

  • In March 2026, Blondie the bear attacked a woman walking her dog.
  • Last summer, Blondie attacked an elderly man on his porch.
  • Blondie was euthanized by wildlife officials last month.

The players

Ramona Wildlife Center

A wildlife rehabilitation facility in San Diego County, run by the San Diego Humane Society, that is caring for the orphaned bear cubs.

California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW)

The state agency that made the decision to euthanize the cubs' mother, Blondie, after she was involved in two separate attacks on residents in Monrovia.

Blondie

The mother bear who was known to local Monrovia residents and was euthanized by wildlife officials after attacking two people.

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What they’re saying

“The babies have made great progress — gaining weight, strength and coordination each.”

— San Diego Humane Society

What’s next

It's unclear when the bear cubs will be old enough to be released to the wild, as wildlife specialists continue working to keep them wild and prepare them for life outside of captivity.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance wildlife officials must strike between public safety and animal welfare when human-bear conflicts arise. While the decision to euthanize Blondie was difficult, the successful rehabilitation of her cubs at the Ramona Wildlife Center demonstrates the important role of wildlife care facilities in giving orphaned animals a second chance.