Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best

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.

Read More
Name
Denali
BORN DATE
6/4/2010
RESCUE DATE
10/26/2016
GENDER
Male
FAVORITE FOOD
Chicken Drumsticks

Denali's story unfortunately mirrors the common challenges associated with private exotic animal ownership, serving as a poignant example of why private ownership of exotics often proves detrimental for both the owners and the animals. While the fortunate ones find their way to reputable sanctuaries, the scarcity of true sanctuaries means that many of these animals face the grim possibility of being sold to breeders, roadside zoos, or even worse, ending up in canned hunting ranches or facing euthanasia.

Denali's journey took a brighter turn when he was rescued alongside his "best friend," Sadie, a Bengal-hybrid mix, who continues to share his habitat. Denali is an energetic and sociable cat who seems to genuinely enjoy people.

Watch Denali's Incredible Story

Milestones

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

hello world!

Denali's Gallery

sponsor Denali

Shop Denali Merch

shop here

Meet Our Other Residents

Jem
In May 2021, our team participated in a large-scale rescue at Tiger King Park in Oklahoma. A total of 69 big cats were removed from that facility by the U.S. Department of Justice due to ongoing Endangered Species Act violations and are now in the care of reputable sanctuaries across the United States. Bobbi was […]
Suri
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved lioness, Suri. A cherished resident of Lions Tigers & Bears for over 18 years, Suri was rescued as a cub in 2007, along with her siblings, Jillian and Bakari, from an unaccredited facility in Louisiana that was shut down due to safety and animal care […]
Liberty
Meet Liberty, Our Black Bear Liberty holds a special place in the hearts of Lions Tigers & Bears'"' (LTB), and that's why her habitat is known as "Liberty's Station." She was the very first black bear to find a home at LTB, and her story is a testament to the power of rescue and compassion. […]
1 2 3 25

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 s

hello world!
Virtual Visit with Denali the Serval Cat and Sadie the Bengal Cat
How Lions Tigers & Bears Help Shape Their Habitats | San Diego's Exotic Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
Lions Tigers & Bears Makes Every Life Count

Read More Related Articles

24/12/19 | By: Bobbi Brink
Holiday Magic at the Sanctuary: Giving Back to Lions Tigers & Bears
The festive season is in full swing at Lions Tigers & Bears, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. This year, we’re turning the sanctuary into a hub of holiday magic and cheer for our rescued wildlife and the fantastic supporters like you who make all this possible. Here are a […]
Read more
24/02/23 | By: Bobbi Brink
An Urgent Crisis: Unraveling the Impact of the Illegal Wildlife Trade
Threats to wildlife come from multiple sources, including climate change, destruction of natural habitats, deforestation and pollution. However, the illegal wildlife trade contributes significantly to the problem through poaching. Wildlife trafficking has far-reaching implications, not just for the animals involved but for the entire ecosystem. It disrupts the interconnected web of life, leading to cascading […]
Read more
25/04/14 | By: Bobbi Brink
How Exotic Animals Build Bonds: Social Behaviors in Captivity
Wild animals have specific social structures that shape how they interact. Tigers live and hunt alone. Lions depend on their pride for survival. Bears avoid social interaction unless they are raising cubs or competing for food. These social behaviors are instinctive and have developed over generations for survival. In captivity, everything changes. Space is limited, […]
Read more
1 2 3 27

Ph: 619.659.8078
Fx: 619.659.8841
[email protected]
24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901

Donate today
Contact
eCalendar
Privacy Policy
Site Map

Subscribe for our newsletter & get the latest news, exclusive deals, and to hear amazing stories of our rescued animals!

Subscription Form
© Lions Tigers & Bears. All Rights Reserved.
501(c)(3) Federal Tax ID #33-0938499
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram