Press Releases (3rd Quarter 2008)
Bobcat released into wild after seven-month rehab process
Cat injured in Fall 2008 makes full recovery
A bobcat that was hit and severely injured by a car on Sept. 23, 2008 was released back in the wilderness southwest of Denver on April 13 after months of medical care and rehabilitation.
The bobcat and her sister were hit by a car last fall near C-470 and the Morrison exit in Littleton, Colo. One bobcat was dead at the scene of the accident while the Colorado Division of Wildlife transported the badly injured sibling to Deer Creek Animal Hospital in Littleton.
A team of veterinarians, wildlife caregivers and rehabilitators helped care for the surviving bobcat through a seven-month process that included multiple surgical procedures to repair its broken back legs and a lengthy rehabilitation through the winter months.
Weighing in at just seven pounds on intake, the bobcat underwent an immediate and delicate surgical procedure led by Dr. Dan Brod of Deer Creek Animal Hospital. The hospital has been working with Ellicott Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for the past 10 years providing specialty care and services for injured wild animals.
“While it took a little bit longer than we originally thought, this is the outcome that we were all hoping for,” said Dr. Dan Brod. “The only reason we performed the surgery to begin with is because we believed she could be 100 percent and be capable of hunting and surviving without compromise in the wild. That’s exactly what the team of caregivers has achieved.”
In addition to the surgical procedures conducted by Dr. Brod, the cat underwent procedures and rehabilitation from Dr. Bill Hancock.
With oversight of feeding and care by Ellicott Wildlife and Wet Mountain Wildlife, the cat was released this week at 22 pounds and with its full health and mobility.
“This was a very challenging but very rewarding experience that had a wonderful outcome,” said Ellicott Wildlife President, Donna Ralph. “The level of care and compassion that we get from our partners at Deer Creek and the numerous other facilities and individuals is what makes these types of outcomes possible.”
Other key players in the successful rehabilitation of the bobcat include: Lakewood Animal Control; Indigo Mountain Nature Center; Dana Morgan; Tom O'Toole; and Peggy and Joe Wrabetz.
With a focus on education and awareness, the Ellicott Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provides compassionate care to sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds and small mammals targeting their healthy and successful release back into the wild. The spring and early summer months present numerous challenges and an influx of animals and particularly babies that require rehabilitation and care. If you would like more information or to make a donation to help support the feeding and care of animals at the center, please visit, www.ellicottwildlife.com.
For more information on the Deer Creek Animal Hospital Dog Wash Day: www.dcah.com or 303-973-4200.
