Wilbur's familyWilbur the One-Eyed Wonder Cat ADOPTED!!! 

Rancho Santa Fe, CA – A tiny kitten that survived the loss of its right eye after being shot in the head by a pellet gun has been adopted from Helen Woodward Animal Center. “Wilbur” was abandoned in a cardboard box on the evening of May 20th. Following rapid recovery from surgery to remove the eye the kitten was adopted within hours after becoming available for adoption.  

HWAC spokesman John Van Zante says, “We received dozens of calls from families interested in Wilbur’s condition and the possibility of adopting him. When he became available for adoption he was snatched up almost immediately by Oliver and Diane, a couple that lives in the University Heights area of San Diego.”  

Van Zante explains that surveillance video courtesy of La Mesa Electronics pinpointed that Wilbur was abandoned at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 20 and sat in the box until 4:30 the next morning when a staff member discovered the box at an entrance. 

Wilbur’s shattered eye was removed later that day and one week later HWAC veterinarian Dr. Patricia Carter removed the pellet. Carter says that it appears Wilbur was shot in his right eye from close range. The pellet burst the eyeball and traveled through his sinus cavity before lodging near Wilbur’s left ear.  

HWAC Adoptions Manager LaBeth Thompson says, “Animals have an amazing ability to bounce back and to forgive. Wilbur loves attention and purrs when you touch him.” 

Van Zante reminds the public that animal abandonment is considered to be a form of abuse. Animal abuse is punishable by a fine of up to $20,000 as well as imprisonment.  

“There are lots of kittens available right now at animal shelters throughout the county. Whether you have kittens you can’t keep or if you want to get a kitten, visit a shelter.”  

For more information about orphaned pets in need of families, call 858-756-4117, or visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.

See the Coverage Wilbur Received!