Wild Cats World

On 6 September 2024 we welcomed another four servals from Belgium (& the Netherlands). One female, Amani, and 3 males Archie, Alanis and Alvin.

The servals, like the 8 before them, were all confiscated or captured and brought to the refugee centre in Opglabbeek, Belgium. The servals were illegally used for breeding or kept as ‘pets’. Three of them were confiscated in Oostende, of which one appeared in someone’s yard after having escaped. The fourth one was from Dilbeek.

The other servals we welcomed earlier this and last year, were from Gent, Dilbeek, Wondelgem, Houyet and Dordrecht. With these four, the number of servals we currently offer a permanent home to is 17, but we already received a request to welcome and keep more servals in the (near) future. All servals are doing well and very much enjoy their new home in a much more natural environment.

We are very happy to be able to give them the life they deserve, possible in co-operation with:

Natuurhulpcentrum Opglabbeek
FlyFauna, Belgium
WeCare program Qatar Airways
Pride of Africa Wildlife Solutions

@ Wild Cats World Sanctuary

Tina Claramunt for Wild Cats World

We welcomed another caracal and 3 servals at our sanctuary. All the way from Belgium.

Lots of servals (and the occasional caracal) are kept as (illegal) pets or for breeding. Many seem to end up in the streets (escape?), or they are confiscated. Very few times the owner gives up on them, finally realizing they don’t make good pets.

After a very long journey from Brussels to Johannesburg, Lalana (caracal), Jill, Abel & Apollo (servals) finally arrived at our sanctuary. They seem to settle in well already; looking relaxed and they immediately started exploring their forever safe home

Thank you:

• FlyFauna (Jimmy Celis) for the good care, safely delivering them at Brussels Airport.
• Qatar Airways for a good and safe flight and care on board.
• Pride of Africa Wildlife, Michael Falls, for handling their arrival with paperwork and Veterinary check by state vet
• Natuurcentrum Opglabbeek for the temporary housing of these cats and arranging the best safe permanent home again.

In 2023 we already welcomed the three servals Stica, Wonny & Gent Earlier this year, servals Dutchy & Dilly arrived to have a wonderful forever life at our sanctuary Working on another four coming in a few weeks time!!

On Wednesday May 4, 2023, 3 servals named Luik (Stica), Wondelgem and Gent (named after the cities where they were found), flew on the direct Air Belgium flight from Brussels airport to Johannesburg.

Luik was confiscated by authorities, Wondelgem and Gent were caught after they escaped from their home where they were kept as illegal pets. They were brought to the Natuurhulpcentrum were they stayed until they found their forever home in South Africa. They will now live a happy life in the Wild Cats World Sanctuary in an environment and climate where they belong.

See the three video’s of their release at the Sanctuary at the end of this page.

We want to thank Air Belgium for the comfortable flight and smooth cooperation and Animal Care & Inspection Center for the excellent care in the last hours before departure. As the ACIC is a state of the art animal facility, the servals could stay there in the best conditions and with the least possible stress.

The boys quickly left the crate to start exploring and are doing well. They are and are looking relaxed so without doubt they approve of
their new living conditions.