Travellers' Choice™ Best of the Best

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 him and brought him to Lions Tigers & Bears, where he now has the proper care and habitat he deserves. Rafa’s story is a powerful reminder that wild animals don’t belong in homes and need specialized environments to thrive.

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Name
Rafa
BORN DATE
Unknown
RESCUE DATE
12/21/2021
GENDER
Male
FAVORITE FOOD
Meat

Servals, like many other wild cats, face several threats due to wildlife trafficking, which endangers their survival in the wild. Here are the key threats they face:

Illegal Pet Trade: Servals are often captured and sold illegally as exotic pets. Many buyers are unprepared for the challenges of owning a wild animal, leading to poor living conditions, abandonment, or neglect. This trade is a significant driver of serval trafficking.

Poaching for Fur and Body Parts: Servals are sometimes hunted for their distinctive coats, which are used in the fashion industry or sold as status symbols. In some cultures, their body parts may be used in traditional medicine or rituals.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: While not directly linked to trafficking, servals face habitat destruction due to agriculture, urbanization, and deforestation. Wildlife trafficking exacerbates this problem as it removes them from already shrinking natural environments.

Decline in Prey Availability: Servals rely on small animals such as rodents, birds, and reptiles for food. As trafficking depletes their numbers and disrupts ecosystems, prey becomes scarcer, further threatening serval populations.

Inhumane Captive Conditions: Servals trafficked into the exotic pet trade or sold to roadside zoos often suffer in small, inadequate enclosures with poor nutrition and no opportunity to express natural behaviors, leading to psychological stress and health problems.

Wildlife trafficking, alongside habitat destruction, poses a serious risk to the survival of servals in the wild and their wellbeing in captivity.

Watch Rafa's Incredible Story

Milestones

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December 2021
Very nervous, fiesty cat, slow to acclimate and come around. Took several weeks to get him to reliably shift.

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February 2022
After a couple months at shop quarantine, he moved down to small animal holding with the other servals.

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March 2022
At this point he is still very fiesty but a very cooperative cat

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Today
Happily lives in his own habitat and is always excited for his food and enrichment

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Rafa's Gallery

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Meet Our Other Residents

Moka
Meet Moka: A Tale of Survival and Friendship At Lions Tigers & Bears, each animal has a unique story that reflects their journey of survival and resilience. Moka the tiger is no exception. Rescued from a life of uncertainty and danger, Moka's story is one of hope, friendship, and a fresh start in a safe […]
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.

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