When local construction workers found this baby javelina alone on the road, she was extremely lethargic and covered in cholla cactus needles.
Cholla spines aren’t your average cactus needle either. They’re armed with barbs that act like tiny hooks, making them extremely difficult and painful to remove. It was clear that this little javelina was in a terrible situation and needed help.
When she arrived at SWCC, she was examined by Dr. Holden and the veterinary team, who worked diligently to remove all the spines. Even after the spines were taken out, she was still extremely lethargic and was placed in an incubator to rest.
Dr. Holden and the veterinary team were very concerned about her condition, and it was unclear if she would make it.
Just a few days after her rescue, she began to show improvement, and since then, she’s made an incredible recovery! Now, she is active, eating out of a bowl, gaining weight, and has passed all her post-rescue exams without any medical concerns. She’s living in an indoor pen and was recently introduced to two other young javelinas of a similar age. She’s lively and adjusting well to her new surroundings.
This red’s recovery is more than we could have hoped for. Stories like hers are a powerful reminder of why we do this work and why every life, no matter how small, matters. Her chances of returning to the wild are promising! We’re so grateful she was rescued in the nick of time and given a second chance at life.
May 2025