Denali

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Denali's life began as a privately-owned pet and later rescued from an unaccredited sanctuary. He was originally purchased by a man who claimed to have acquired a litter of Serval kittens from a roadside zoo. As Denali rapidly grew, reaching double the size of a domestic cat, his family soon realized that they could no longer manage him in their home. Consequently, they made the decision to place him at the Spirit of the Hills Sanctuary in South Dakota when he turned one year old.

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Milestones

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Placement at Spirit of the Hills Sanctuary (2011):
At just one year old, Denali's original owners recognized they couldn't manage him as he grew and placed him at Spirit of the Hills Sanctuary in South Dakota. This move marked a shift from private ownership to life in a sanctuary setting.

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Rescue from Spirit of the Hills (October 2016):
Denali became part of a major rescue operation led by Lions Tigers & Bears after Spirit of the Hills was shut down due to unsafe conditions and regulatory failures. This rescue was a turning point, ensuring Denali's safety and future well-being.

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Relocation to Lions Tigers & Bears (October 26, 2016):
Denali found his forever home at Lions Tigers & Bears, where he began living in a spacious and enriched environment tailored to his needs alongside his best friend, Sadie.

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Advocacy Symbol for Exotic Animal Ownership Issues (Ongoing):
Denali’s story has become a powerful example of the challenges and dangers associated with private exotic animal ownership, raising awareness about the need for stricter laws and the critical role of accredited sanctuaries.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Frick

Meet Frick, Our Friendly Llama Frick is currently our sole llama at Lions Tigers & Bears. She was originally rescued with another llama named Frack.

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Natasha

Remembering Natasha, Our Talkative Tiger In November 2015 our beloved matriarch tiger, Natasha, passed away. She was 19 years old. Natasha and her mate, Raja, were the founding tigers of Lions Tigers & Bears. The pair were rescued from Texas where they were being kept in a 6' x 12' chain link cage with concrete […]

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Teddy

Teddy was born at Tote-em-in Zoo in Wilmington, North Carolina, along with his brother Baloo. They were the offspring of Luna Bear, a Himalayan black bear who lived at Tote-em-in Zoo.A couple frequented the zoo to visit with Luna Bear and over time got to know the owners of the small roadside zoo. After Luna […]

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FAQ's

What do servals eat?

Servals are carnivores and primarily eat small prey like rodents, birds, frogs, insects, and fish. They are excellent hunters with a high success rate, using their long legs and sharp hearing to detect and pounce on prey.

Where do servals live?

Servals are native to Africa and are typically found in grasslands, wetlands, and savannas. They prefer areas with tall grasses and water sources, where they can hunt and stay hidden from larger predators.

How long do servals live?

In the wild, servals live around 10-12 years, but in captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 20 years. Their lifespan is extended due to consistent food, medical care, and protection from threats.

Are servals social animals?

No, servals are solitary by nature. They establish territories and only come together during mating season. Mothers will stay with their kittens for several months before they become independent.

How fast can servals run?

Servals can run up to 50 mph (80 km/h) in short bursts. They are also known for their incredible jumping ability, able to leap over 10 feet in the air to catch birds in flight.

Are servals endangered?

Servals are not currently endangered but are classified as "Near Threatened" in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting for their fur, and the illegal pet trade. Their populations are declining in certain regions.

How many servals are in captivity?

Thousands of servals are kept in captivity, especially in the exotic pet trade, where they are often purchased by people who are unprepared for their wild nature. Many servals end up in sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears after being surrendered or confiscated from poor living conditions. Ethical facilities work to provide them with proper care and education about why wild animals don’t make good pets.

Watch More Videos on Servals

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Virtual Visit with Denali the Serval Cat and Sadie the Bengal Cat

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