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

Arusha

Remembering Arusha, Our African Lion Arusha was rescued at the age of 14, along with two other lions, Zulu and Lufuno in April 2017, after their private owner and former animal trainer decided to relinquish the trio to Lions Tigers & Bears. Arusha was used as an animal performer in movies, television and live shows - […]

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Rafa

Meet Rafa, our rescued serval cat with quite the wild backstory. Rafa was kept as a pet, a decision that’s always a bad idea when it comes to wild animals. After escaping—or perhaps being let out—Rafa was found roaming the streets of North County and even broke into someone’s home! Fortunately, the Humane Society rescued […]

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Sallie

In October 2022, Susie and Sallie found their long-awaited freedom when they were rescued from the Tri-State Zoological Park in Maryland. This facility had been a defunct roadside zoo that had facedmultiple animal welfare violations over the years, ultimately leading to its closure. The path to this rescue was a lengthy and challenging one. PETA […]

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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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