​Rehabilitated Mountain Lion Returns to Santa Ana Mountains

Mission Viejo CA

02 August, 2021

5:04 PM

Description

Ramona — A juvenile mountain lion who spent two weeks in the care of the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center was released back into the wild on July 29. The 1-year-old male lion arrived on July 13 after the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Mission Viejo Animal Services captured it. There had been repeated reports of sightings in the Orange County neighborhood, leading wildlife officials to bring him to the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center for evaluation. The Humane Society's Project Wildlife veterinary team used lab work, X-rays and a dental exam to check the big cat, which was under sedation. The lion was treated too for parasites, given fluids and monitored by the care team to ensure he was ready to survive on his own in his home territory -- away from a neighborhood. San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife team in Ramona is the first in California to work under the direction of the state wildlife office to rehab mountain lions for release into the wild. "Mountain lions are in many communities in Southern California, but it is important to remember they need to remain wild at heart and not get comfortable around people — for everyone's safety," said Christine Barton, director of operations and wildlife rehabilitation at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Campus. "They are special predators and we are proud to have an expert team trusted by the state of California in this pilot program to care for the species here at the Ramona Wildlife Center." San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife is the primary resource for wild animal rehabilitation and conservation education in San Diego County. Each year, it gives nearly 13,000 injured, orphaned and sick wild animals a second chance. In 2020, the organization announced a new Ramona Campus, which specializes in caring for native predators and birds of prey. Their patients include hawks, owls, eagles, coyotes, bears and bobcats.