Rescued Mountain Lion Cubs Reintroduced to Wild After Rehabilitation

In a major conservation success, two mountain lion cubs that were found orphaned and malnourished in March 2025 have been successfully reintroduced to their natural habitat in San Diego County. The cubs were discovered alone and in poor condition before being safely trapped by the UC Davis California Carnivores Program team in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They were then transferred to the Ramona Wildlife Center, where they spent over five months undergoing rehabilitation.

During this time, the center's staff followed a strict protocol to limit human contact and encourage the cubs' natural behaviors. The young felines were taught essential survival skills, including hunting techniques and how to avoid humans, to prepare them for life back in the wild. On September 18, 2025, the rehabilitated mountain lions were released into suitable habitat in San Diego County.

"We're incredibly proud of the work our team and partners have done to give these cubs a second chance," said Autumn Welch, Wildlife Operations Manager at San Diego Humane Society. "Releasing them back into their native habitat is the ultimate goal - and a major success story for mountain lion conservation in California."

Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are top predators that have faced serious threats from habitat loss and hunting. While their numbers have declined historically, the current population in the U.S. is estimated to be between 20,000 and 40,000. The successful reintroduction of these two cubs is a significant step in efforts to protect and restore California's mountain lion population.