RJ

Click to hear RJ

RJ's “story” began when he was discovered by a truck driver on the side of the road near Los Angeles as a tiny and severely ill kitten. The driver decided to take him home, initially believing that RJ was a domestic kitten. However, it was only later that he realized RJ was actually a bobcat and made the decision to surrender him.

Watch RJ's Incredible Story

Milestones

.

Discovery and Rescue (March 2008): RJ was found on the side of the road near Los Angeles by a truck driver as a severely ill kitten, only a few weeks old.

.

Surrender (May 2008): After initially mistaking RJ for a domestic kitten, the truck driver realized he was a bobcat and surrendered him to animal rescue for proper care.

.

Determination of His Future: The animal rescue determined that RJ had been exposed to too much human interaction, making him unsuitable for release into the wild. They suspected he was a captive-bred bobcat.

.

Permanent Home at Lions Tigers & Bears: Lions Tigers & Bears welcomed RJ to their sanctuary, providing him a safe, lifelong home. The team also speculated that RJ's friendly behavior and unique characteristics were evidence of captive breeding, highlighting the larger issue of private ownership of wild animals.

hello world!

RJ's Gallery

sponsor RJ

Shop RJ Merch

shop here

Meet Our Other Residents

Cherry Bomb

Meet Cherry Bomb, Our Grizzly Bear In 2019, Brother Albert sadly passed away after battling cancer, leaving a void in the lives of those who cared for him. Cherry Bomb, his companion through their shared experiences, had a journey fraught with challenges. Cherry Bomb and her brother Albert had a difficult start in life. They were […]

Learn more Sponsor Cherry Bomb

Himmel

Remembering Himmel, Our Goofy Tiger Cub On January 13, 2016, Himmel, a 6 month old tiger cub, tragically passed away. His sudden passing was heartbreaking to share. Himmel arrived at Lions Tigers & Bears on September 5th, 2015. He came to us malnourished, declawed, and suffering from an umbilical hernia. We had concerns that he had […]

Learn more Sponsor Himmel

Khaos

Meet Khoas, Our Gelding Rescue story coming soon. Stay tuned!

Learn more Sponsor Khaos

1 2 3 … 25 Next »

FAQ's

What do bobcats eat?

Bobcats are carnivores and have a diverse diet that includes rabbits, rodents, birds, and even deer. They are skilled hunters, using stealth and patience to ambush their prey.

Where do bobcats live?

Bobcats are native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, swamps, and even suburban areas. They are highly adaptable and thrive in diverse environments across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

How long do bobcats live?

In the wild, bobcats typically live 7-10 years, but in captivity, they can live up to 20 years with proper care, nutrition, and medical attention.

Are bobcats social animals?

No, bobcats are typically solitary animals. They establish and defend their own territories, only coming together briefly during mating season. Each bobcat marks its territory with scent markings and scratches.

How fast can bobcats run?

Bobcats can run up to 30 mph (48 km/h) in short bursts, usually when chasing prey or escaping danger. However, they rely more on stealth, climbing, and quick reflexes than long-distance speed.

Are bobcats endangered?

Bobcats are not currently endangered and are classified as a species of "Least Concern." However, habitat destruction, hunting, and the fur trade pose threats to some local populations. Conservation efforts help protect them from unnecessary harm.

How many bobcats are in captivity?

The exact number is unknown, but thousands of bobcats are kept in captivity, including in zoos, sanctuaries, and private ownership. Unfortunately, many are exploited for their fur, used in the pet trade, or kept in inadequate conditions. Ethical sanctuaries, like Lions Tigers & Bears, rescue bobcats from neglect and provide them with proper care for life.

Watch More Videos on Bobcats

hello world!

The Dangers of Cub Petting: Why It's Harmful and Unethical | Lions Tigers & Bears

Captivity Cruelty: The Dark Side of Private Wildlife Ownership | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego

An Urgent Crisis: Unraveling the Impact of the Illegal Wildlife Trade | Lions Tigers & Bears

Read More Related Articles

24/10/14 | By: Bobbi Brink

Bear Hibernation: The Science Behind Their Long Winter Sleep

Bears are probably the first animals that come to mind when discussing hibernation. We all know they retreat to their dens when winter arrives, but have you ever wondered what happens during those cold months? How does bear hibernation allow these massive animals to survive without eating or drinking for so long? Well, we’ll be […]

Interpreting the Many Sounds and Calls of Bears

More and more research is shedding new light on animal communication in general and specifically bears. Bears make different sounds and calls to communicate with each other and/or a perceived threat. These sounds can range from chuffing and whimpers to huffs, growls, and moans. Each of these sounds has a distinct meaning and provides valuable insights […]

The Role of Apex Predators: Why Lions, Tigers & Bears are Crucial for Their Ecosystems

Apex predators like lions, tigers, and bears occupy the highest trophic levels in the food chain. They’re strong, fast, and have few to no natural predators. But what makes them so important isn’t just their power—it’s how they keep everything in balance. Without them, the whole ecosystem could fall apart. In this guide, we’ll explore […]

619-659-8078

Stay The Night

Become A member

Attend a Fundraiser

Sanctuary Standards

The gift that gives

RJ