Serval
MONZO, an African serval, arrived at Animal Tracks in 2005 when he was just eight months old. He was confiscated from an owner who had him illegally and has been a beloved part of our sanctuary ever since. For many years, Monzo was our only cat, until we welcomed a Bengal cat (who unfortunately passed away a few years ago) and, more recently, another male serval, Mischief.
Monzo is truly one of a kind. Having always been treated with love and kindness, he has learned to return the favor. He welcomes his caretakers to sit with him, but touching is a privilege he grants on his own terms. If he rubs against you first, that’s his way of saying, “You may scratch and love on me.” This is rare for servals, as most greet strangers with hissing and clear “Stay away” body language.
While male servals are typically solitary after reaching sexual maturity, Monzo has embraced the role of a father figure to young Mischief. He is patient and generous, sharing everything from his toys to his heated bed. At his age, Monzo seems to have found a new spark, and we like to think Mischief is helping to keep him young at heart.
ORDER: Carnivora
FAMILY: Felidae
GENUS: Leptailurus
SPECIES: Serval
Servals are the mid-size cat (25 to 40 lbs.) of Africa, known for their long legs, small head, long neck, and large ears. They are most active at dawn and dusk and live a solitary life unless it is a mother with kittens. These cats are territorial and great jumpers, six feet high from a stand still. This jumping ability is a big part of their hunting strategy. They sit quietly listening with their giant ears for things like rats, mice, gophers, frogs, reptiles, and birds and then jump surprising their prey. Because of this jumping ability, they have a higher than average hunting success rate. Servals are pregnant for approximately 70 days producing 2 to 4 kittens a litter. They stay behind while mama goes out alone to hunt for them, and at about 3 months, start to join her to hone their hunting instincts. The kittens start with insects and work their way up the food chain. They stay with her for about a year before she pushes them out to find their own territory. This can often be tough on the male kittens as she must chase them far away to avoid inbreeding.
Threats
Hyenas, leopards, hunting dogs, fur trade, bushmeat and pet trade.
Conservation Status
LC - Least Concern