Collection: Hutch
Species: African Serval (Leptailurus serval)
DOB: January 1, 2007
Sex: Male
Arrival Date: December 28, 2023
Rescue Story: In 2023, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) took in 34 cats from Big Cat Rescue, an accredited Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) sanctuary in Tampa, FL. Big Cat Rescue (BCR) was founded in 1992 to safeguard the world's exotic wildcat species through a multifaceted approach with conservation efforts to protect them in captivity and their natural habitats. BCR championed the fight on Capitol Hill, which aided in passing the Big Cat Public Safety Act in December of 2022. With united missions, BCR and TCWR have collaborated in rescuing exotic animals nationally, and both are founding members of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA). BCR has been a leader in captive wildlife advocacy for over 30 years, and with the new Act passed in Congress, its mission has shifted to focus on conservation efforts in the wild. BCR approached TCWR in 2023 about relocating their remaining animals to the beautiful Ozarks. TCWR broke ground on the new habitat expansion, Freedom Field, in 2023, where BCR animals will reside. Hutch is one of the 34 cats relocated from BCR.
Original Rescue Story: Hutch was rescued from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in 2018 from Jupiter, Florida. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary was in the process of switching management when BCR received a call for help. This 11-year-old Serval was previously privately owned by the former director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary; however, with new management, this left Hutch needing a new home. With very little known information about Hutch, it is believed he had been purchased from a backyard breeder in Florida, who at the time was known to sell caracals, jungle cats, Servals, and other wild cats. Hutch acclimated to his new home at BCR smoothly, and TCWR hopes to provide the same smooth transition for this older Serval as he settles into his new home.
Original Rescue Story: Hutch was rescued from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in 2018 from Jupiter, Florida. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary was in the process of switching management when BCR received a call for help. This 11-year-old Serval was previously privately owned by the former director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary; however, with new management, this left Hutch needing a new home. With very little known information about Hutch, it is believed he had been purchased from a backyard breeder in Florida, who at the time was known to sell caracals, jungle cats, Servals, and other wild cats. Hutch acclimated to his new home at BCR smoothly, and TCWR hopes to provide the same smooth transition for this older Serval as he settles into his new home.
