Rescued Bobcat Kitten Rejoins Wild After Rehab

The young bobcat was found near death in Orange County bushes before being nursed back to health by San Diego Humane Society.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A young bobcat kitten found unresponsive in Orange County bushes in October was transported to the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center for specialized care. After four months of rehabilitation to treat severe emaciation, anemia, and mange, the bobcat was released back into its native habitat on February 22.

Why it matters

The successful rehabilitation and release of the bobcat kitten highlights the important work done by wildlife rescue organizations like the San Diego Humane Society to care for injured and orphaned animals and return them to the wild. Bobcats are a key part of the local ecosystem, and this story showcases the community's commitment to protecting local wildlife.

The details

The bobcat kitten was discovered by a gardener on October 14 in San Clemente and required CPR and a blood transfusion at Serrano Animal & Bird Hospital before being transported to the Ramona Wildlife Center on October 18. At the center, veterinary staff treated the kitten for severe malnutrition, parasites, and mange, providing supplements, fluids, and medication. The kitten was housed in an outdoor enclosure to regain strength, rebuild its coat, and practice hunting skills before being released back into the wild on February 22.

  • The bobcat kitten was found on October 14, 2025.
  • The kitten was transported to the Ramona Wildlife Center on October 18, 2025.
  • The bobcat underwent four months of rehabilitation at the center.
  • The bobcat was released back into the wild on February 22, 2026.

The players

San Diego Humane Society

A nonprofit organization that operates the Ramona Wildlife Center and rehabilitates more than 13,000 wild animals each year, including apex predators and large mammals like bobcats, bears, and mountain lions.

Alexis Wohl, DVM

The wildlife veterinary manager at the San Diego Humane Society who oversaw the bobcat kitten's treatment and rehabilitation.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Alexis Wohl, DVM, Wildlife Veterinary Manager, San Diego Humane Society

The takeaway

This story highlights the important role that wildlife rehabilitation centers like the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center play in caring for injured and orphaned animals and returning them to their natural habitats. The successful recovery and release of the bobcat kitten demonstrates the community's commitment to protecting local wildlife and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.