Junior

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Junior and Miss Kitty had previously been in the care of private owners as pets in Arizona. However, a sudden turn of events occurred when one of the owners passed away, compelling the other owner to vacate her family home. Junior and Miss Kitty could not accompany her to her new residence, leaving her with no choice but to leave them behind but continued to visit them daily to provide food and water.

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Milestones

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Birth and Early Life (May 3, 2010):
Junior was born on May 3, 2010, and later became a pet in Arizona, where he lived with Miss Kitty under the care of private owners. Despite their best intentions, keeping a serval as a pet posed significant challenges.

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Life-Altering Circumstances (Early 2019):
A tragic loss occurred when one of Junior's owners passed away. The surviving owner had to vacate her family home and could not take Junior and Miss Kitty with her. Although unable to provide a permanent solution, she visited daily to care for them while seeking a sanctuary for their future.

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The Rescue Mission (October 6, 2019):
Lions Tigers & Bears responded to the owner’s nationwide plea for help and rescued Junior and Miss Kitty, bringing them to a safe, secure, and permanent home where their needs as wild animals could be properly met.

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Flourishing at Lions Tigers & Bears (2019–Present):
Since their rescue, Junior has thrived at the sanctuary. He shares a close bond with Miss Kitty, spending his days splashing in water troughs, lounging in hammocks, and enjoying a life filled with compassionate care and freedom from

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Meet Our Other Residents

Denali

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 […]

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Eli

Meet Eli, Our Serval Eli, along with his serval friend Savannah and Lily the white tiger, were the last three animals left at an educational facility in southern California that shuttered their doors in 2021. The facility decided they no longer wanted to care for their animals and reached out to Lions Tigers & Bears for […]

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Cherry Bomb

Meet Cherry Bomb, Our Grizzly Bear In 2019, Brother Albert sadly passed away after battling cancer, leaving a void in the lives of those who cared for him. Cherry Bomb, his companion through their shared experiences, had a journey fraught with challenges. Cherry Bomb and her brother Albert had a difficult start in life. They were […]

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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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The Dangers of Cub Petting: Why It's Harmful and Unethical | Lions Tigers & Bears

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An Urgent Crisis: Unraveling the Impact of the Illegal Wildlife Trade | Lions Tigers & Bears

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