Diego

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Meet Diego, Our Bobcat

Diego's journey to find a permanent home has been filled with uncertainty and challenges, but he has finally found his sanctuary at Lions Tigers & Bears.

Diego was anonymously dropped off at a pet hospital in Rancho Bernardo, leaving no clues about his origins. There was no way to tell whether he was a wild bobcat or an illegally bred, captive exotic cat, as the people who left him refused to provide their names or contact information.

Despite being sick, Diego did not exhibit typical wild bobcat behavior. He appeared accustomed to human contact, knowing how to feed from a bottle, purring when held, and constantly seeking human interaction.

After receiving medical treatment for two days to stabilize him, the pet hospital contacted Lions Tigers & Bears to provide permanent refuge for Diego in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Upon his arrival at the sanctuary, Diego was very trusting of humans, and we began acclimating him to life at our sanctuary.

Watch Diego's Incredible Story

Milestones

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August 2024
Diego was anonymously dropped off at a pet hospital in Rancho Bernardo, with no clues about his origins and signs of being captive bred.

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August 2024
After two days of medical treatment, Diego was transferred to Lions Tigers & Bears for permanent refuge, where he began adjusting to life at the sanctuary.

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September 2024
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife moved Diego to a rewilding center in hopes he could return to the wild, but his behavior confirmed he was captive bred.

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March 2025
After a failed six-month rewilding attempt, Diego returned to Lions Tigers & Bears, where he now has a permanent sanctuary and specialized care.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Rafa

Meet Rafa, our rescued serval cat with quite the wild backstory. Rafa was kept as a pet, a decision that’s always a bad idea when it comes to wild animals. After escaping—or perhaps being let out—Rafa was found roaming the streets of North County and even broke into someone’s home! Fortunately, the Humane Society rescued […]

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Melanie

Remembering Melanie, Our Mountain Lion Melanie and her partner Punkin lived at a private facility in Ohio that bred tiger cubs and other exotic animals. It is likely Melanie and Punkin were used as a breeding pair to produce cubs for the exotic animal trade. The facility was shut down when the state enacted SB […]

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Arusha

Remembering Arusha, Our African Lion Arusha was rescued at the age of 14, along with two other lions, Zulu and Lufuno in April 2017, after their private owner and former animal trainer decided to relinquish the trio to Lions Tigers & Bears. Arusha was used as an animal performer in movies, television and live shows - […]

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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

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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

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