The first three orphaned juvenile raccoons to graduate from a specialized nursery at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center have successfully returned to the wild, animal welfare officials announced.
Community members found the three young raccoons separately between May 18 and June 9 across different parts of San Diego County, including Ocean Beach, Chula Vista, and Santee. They were subsequently brought to the San Diego Humane Society for specialized care.
According to the organization, raccoon kits are typically weaned from their mother’s milk at roughly 10 to 12 weeks of age. In a natural setting, they spend this crucial period learning essential survival skills alongside their mother. For orphaned kits, however, rehabilitation requires dedicated intervention that supports healthy physical development while carefully preventing any reliance on humans.
“This release is especially meaningful because these raccoons are the first graduates of our new centralized raccoon nursery at the Ramona Wildlife Center,” said Autumn Welch, Wildlife Operations Manager at the San Diego Humane Society, in a statement. “By caring for raccoons in a dedicated setting, we can give them the best possible opportunity to return to their natural environment.”
Care and Preparation at the Ramona Wildlife Center
During their stay at the Ramona Wildlife Center, the juvenile raccoons underwent routine veterinary care, receiving vaccinations and de-wormer medications. Staff members provided them with a diverse diet tailored to their nutritional needs, consisting of rodents, birds, fish, eggs, insects, fruit, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
As the animals grew larger and stronger, handlers transferred them to specialized outdoor enclosures. These spaces are specifically designed to help the young wildlife build crucial survival skills independently, according to the San Diego Humane Society. The enclosures allow the raccoons to practice climbing, exploring, foraging, and locating natural food sources and insects.
The rigorous rehabilitation process culminated on July 31, when all three raccoons were released together at Mission Trails Regional Park.
High Demand for Wildlife Rehabilitation in San Diego
The San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program admitted 315 raccoons in 2025 alone. The intake numbers remain high, with 147 raccoons entering care so far in 2026.
The San Diego Humane Society operates a dedicated Wildlife Help Hub at sdhumane.org/wildlifehelp, where residents can find guidance regarding injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals.
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