Ramona, United States - October 06, 2025 Two orphaned coyote pups from San Diego are beginning a new chapter at the Virginia Living Museum after staff determined they could not safely be returned to the wild. The pups arrived at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center as infants. Despite efforts to “wild up” the animals by housing them with other coyotes and limiting human contact, both became too imprinted on people to survive independently. The female pup was just two days old when found under a deck in Palm Desert. She had been bottle-fed by a rescuer for two weeks before arriving at the center in April. The male pup, rescued in May from Long Beach with his eyes still closed, also required intensive bottle feeding before moving to an outdoor habitat with other coyotes. Staff noticed he frequently sought attention from caretakers. Both received veterinary care, proper nutrition, and species-appropriate enrichment at the center. Once release into the wild was ruled unsafe, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife approved placement at the Virginia Living Museum to ensure lifelong care and provide opportunities for public education. On September 30, Project Wildlife staff personally transported the pups to Los Angeles International Airport, where they were escorted aboard a FedEx flight to Virginia to begin their permanent home. Autumn Welch, Wildlife Operations Manager at San Diego Humane Society, said, “Helping orphaned wild animals return to nature is always our goal, but sometimes the kindest outcome is providing them with a permanent home where they can thrive.” The Virginia Living Museum added that the pups will serve as ambassadors, teaching visitors about coexisting with wildlife and inspiring respect and protection for wild animals.