Near-Death Bobcat Kitten Makes Full Recovery After Being Rehabilitated At Ramona Wildlife Center

RAMONA, CA — A bobcat kitten rescued after being found unresponsive was released back into the wild Sunday following four months of rehabilitation at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center.

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

"The kitten arrived in incredibly poor shape, battling everything from parasites to extreme malnutrition," said Dr. Alexis Wohl, 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."

The young bobcat was returned to her native habitat after recovering from severe emaciation, anemia and mange, officials said.

During her rehabilitation, the bobcat was housed in an outdoor enclosure designed to replicate her natural environment, allowing her to regain strength and practice hunting skills. Veterinary staff administered iron supplements, fluids and antiparasitic medications to treat infections and improve her overall condition.

San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife program serves as a primary resource for wildlife rehabilitation in the region. The Ramona Wildlife Center specializes in caring for apex predators and large mammals, including bobcats, bears and mountain lions.