A young bobcat, tragically struck by a vehicle in Florida last April, has been returned to the wild after an extensive and collaborative rescue operation. This effort was spearheaded by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, alongside its committed partners.
It all began on April 9 when a compassionate supporter of the Conservancy stumbled upon the injured bobcat in Bonita Springs. With a fractured front left leg and severely damaged toes on its right paw, this young feline's predicament was dire. Swiftly, the animal was transported to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, where veterinarian Dr. Kendall Carlin, with the assistance of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) veterinarians, confirmed that the injuries were indeed treatable.
The miraculous surgery took place at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Fort Myers, spearheaded by the surgeon Lauren Aldrich, and bolstered by critical orthopedic support from Arthrex, which generously donated a surgical plate from its OrthoLine fracture management system. "We were pleased to be able to support the effort to save the bobcat with this donation," remarked Matthew Houbre, Senior Product Manager at Arthrex. Their OrthoLine system includes an impressive 99 plates ranging from 1.6 mm to 3.5 mm, suitable for animals as small as kittens and as large as giant breeds. Such acts demonstrate Arthrex's ongoing commitment to the health of both domestic pets and wildlife alike.
Following surgery, the bobcat required a week of intensive post-operative care at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, which annually cares for around 4,000 injured, sick, and orphaned animals. After regaining its strength, this resilient bobcat spent nearly two months in an outdoor enclosure at the South Florida Wildlife Center. Designed to minimize human interaction, this facility
