Goya

Goya, born in 2018 and a Safe Haven resident since 2019

HISTORY

Goya, along with serval Reina and caracals Hantara and Sorcha were placed with Safe Haven by the World Animal Protection organization. When authorities were notified that all four wild cats were being illegally housed in a New York state residence, a court order seizure was put into place and the cats were confiscated. All were victim of the illegal pet trade, the owner importing them illegally into the U.S. and was then selling them to private owners. Exotic animals from primates to wild cats are often sold through the internet. African Servals and Caracals can sell for $3,000 to $10,000 per cat.

Private owners are attracted to their unique appearance but are often ill prepared to meet their needs in captivity. African servals require large habitats for running, playing and expressing their natural behaviors. Too small enclosures lead to frustration and stereotypical behaviors such as pacing, excessive grooming and self-injury. Servals cannot tolerate cold temperatures and must be provided heated dens for the winter months.

Goya has been with us for 66 months.

ABOUT AFRICAN SERVALS

African servals are small, lean, wild cats who are native to the Africa savannah. They have very distinctive coats with black stripes and spots. Their hunting skills are driven by a keen sense of smell and their ability to jump as high as 12 feet in order to catch birds and other prey. Although servals generally don’t live beyond 10 years in the wild, they can live into their early twenties in captivity.