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

Tuffy

Remembering Tuffy, Our African Serval In May 2016 we had to say goodbye to Tuffy the Serval. Tuffy passed away peacefully in his sleep. In September of 2004, at the approximate age of five, Tuffy arrived at Lions Tigers & Bears. He quickly became buddies with Gizmo, our eldest bobcat. Tuffy was the lone serval of […]

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Tabu

Meet Tabu, Our Tiger Tabu was conceived in Texas and born here at Lions Tigers & Bears in 2002, along with her sister, the late Sitarra, shortly after their parents, Raja and Natasha were rescued. Tabu weighed 2 lbs 7oz at birth. As a cub, Tabu loved to play in the pool with her sister […]

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Hank

Meet Hank, Our White Tiger Hank spent the first decade of his life in prison-like conditions at an Ohio tiger cub breeding facility that was shut down when the state enacted SB 310 - the Ohio Dangerous Wild Animals Act in 2014. Hank was rescued in 2015 along with his partner Crystal, and they were relocated […]

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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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