With your help, two rescued servals – given a temporary home after a devastating wildfire in South Africa – are now safely back with our partner sanctuary, Panthera Africa.
Balozi (c) Panthera Africa
Back in January, with the help of your donations, our big cat sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, carried out an emergency rescue of these two long-legged small cats, together with Lancelot the lion.
All three Born Free cats had been receiving loving lifetime care, on our behalf, from our partners at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary. But sadly, there had been terrible wildfires in the Western Cape at the start of the year, so Born Free stepped in to help, giving the trio a temporary home at Shamwari.
Seventeen-year-old Lancelot the lion, originally rescued from a life of exploitation, now has a permanent home with us. Our servals, Balozi and Mahaba, have now returned to the care of Panthera Africa, to the delight of the team there.
Also back safe and sound at Panthera Africa are two more rescued servals, Lekanya and Kamogelo. After the wildfires, they had been cared for by Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, as we didn’t have enclosure capacity at Shamwari. We’re so grateful for their kindness and generosity!
The servals were carefully transported home to Panthera Africa
It was four years ago, in March 2022, that Born Free first rehomed the four male servals, who had all been confiscated from Belgium’s illegal pet trade. We were able to give them a fresh start and wonderful new life at Panthera Africa. Today the four are aged between five and nine years, and can enjoy life back in their spacious, individual enclosures.
“It is such an honour to work with Panthera Africa and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary,” said Born Free’s Head of Rescue & Care Maggie Balaskas. “I’m so glad we could help Panthera Africa out in their time of need. We bid a fond farewell to Balozi and Mahaba – but as you can see, they’re clearly glad to be back home at Panthera Africa!
“As ever, a huge roar of thanks to Born Free’s generous supporters, not least our remarkable Circle of Champions. Thank you for being there when we needed you and responding to this emergency. How good to know you care for every single rescued cat, as much as we do!”
