Coyote Athena’s Rescue: Palm Springs Vet Saves Injured Animal, Faces Unexpected State Intervention

A story of compassion, controversy, and resilience is unfolding in the Coachella Valley—and its central figure is a young coyote named Athena.

Athena was struck by a car in Palm Springs last week. A Good Samaritan rushed her to El Paseo Animal Hospital, where veterinarian Dr. David Jeffrey made the decision to amputate her severely injured leg to save her life. Against the odds, Athena survived the surgery and was on the path to recovery.

Dr. Jeffrey and his team, working with several wildlife sanctuaries, had arranged for Athena’s transfer to a safe and supportive environment. But just four days after her surgery, the situation took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn.

According to hospital staff, California Fish and Wildlife Warden Officer Pietro Bono entered the facility without prior notice or proper identification and removed Athena from the clinic. He declined to provide contact information or accept the pain medication Athena still needed. She was taken in an unmarked truck to a holding facility in Central Riverside County.

Veterinarian staff and advocates voiced deep concern about Athena’s condition and whether she would receive appropriate post-operative care. California law allows licensed vets up to 10 days to notify the state when treating wildlife. Athena had only been at the clinic for four days.

Fish and Wildlife later confirmed that the removal of Athena was not standard protocol. Following persistent efforts from NBC Palm Springs and representatives from the Magic Jungle Wildlife Preserve, officials have now agreed to release Athena to the sanctuary originally prepared to care for her.

Athena remains under observation in a medical facility, and her supporters are hopeful she will soon arrive at her forever sanctuary.

NBC Palm Springs extends sincere thanks to Dr. Jeffrey and the team at El Paseo Animal Hospital for their compassion and dedication to this wild creature's second chance at life.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.