Dartmoor Zoo has welcomed a serval named Churchill, rescued from a notorious cat owner. The zoo aims to provide him a safe and loving home.
Last May, Terrence Moore, who ran The Cat Survival Trust, was found guilty of harming animals. He was banned from keeping cats for five years and had to find new homes for them.
While the team at Hertfordshire Zoo cared for the 28 rescued cats, Dartmoor Zoo took in one of them—a male serval named Churchill. He arrived on January 21 and is currently in quarantine for 30 days. This helps him adjust and allows the staff to monitor his health.
After quarantine, Churchill will move to a spacious outdoor area with a female serval named Sabra. The zoo will keep everyone posted on when they can be seen together.
Dartmoor Zoo’s CEO, David Gibson, expressed eagerness to help as soon as they learned about the situation. He praised the efforts of the staff at Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary for prioritizing the cats’ welfare.
Gibson is excited about Churchill joining their collection. He emphasized the importance of providing a rich and stimulating life for Churchill, who has faced many challenges. Donations for his care would be appreciated to support ongoing conservation efforts.
Serval cats are not endangered but face threats like poaching and habitat loss. They thrive in savannas and wetlands across Africa. Known as ‘giraffe cats’ for their long necks and legs, they have a slender build and a tawny coat with black spots.
Cam Whitnall from The Big Cat Sanctuary mentioned their mission to find the best homes for these cats. They are racing against time as the facility will close soon. Some cats may not be rehomed due to health issues, but they are committed to giving them the care they deserve.
Moore was found guilty of multiple charges related to animal suffering and operating without a license. Police discovered sick cats and dead carcasses at his facility, highlighting the urgent need for rehoming these animals, including pumas and an Amur leopard, the most endangered big cat.
