Lion Cub Hit by Vehicle Rescued and Rehabilitated for Return to the Wild

A mountain lion cub that suffered severe injuries after being hit by a car has made a remarkable recovery and has been released back into the wild. The San Diego Humane Society announced the cub’s return to its natural habitat following nearly five months of dedicated rehabilitation.

The young male lion, now around 10 months old, was found in January with a fractured skull, eye injuries, and a lame leg. After his initial treatment at Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital in Orange County, he was transferred to the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center for long-term care.

Rehabilitation for the cub was challenging. Staff members focused on managing his pain and encouraging him to eat. As soon as he was stable, they moved him to an outdoor enclosure to limit human interaction and help him maintain his natural instincts. This was crucial for his survival once released.

After about 150 days of care, the team felt confident in his progress. He had gained weight, regained strength, and was displaying behaviors typical of wild mountain lions, including avoiding people. “This is the moment we all work toward,” said Autumn Welch, the Wildlife Operations manager at the center.

On June 17, California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials released the cub into a remote area of the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County. This location was chosen to give him the best chance to thrive in the wild.

The San Diego Humane Society is also caring for two orphaned mountain lion cubs that arrived at the center in late March. These cubs were found alone and are undergoing rehabilitation with the hope of being released back into the wild as well.

The humane society’s Project Wildlife program plays a vital role in rehabilitating over 10,000 wild animals each year, from small songbirds to apex predators. Their goal is to ensure that these animals can return to their natural environments, contributing to the ecosystem and maintaining the balance of wildlife in California.