Collection: Nala
Species: African Serval (Leptailurus serval)
DOB: January 1, 2010
Sex: Female
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. Nala is one of the 34 cats relocated from BCR.
Original Rescue Story: When Nala’s owner’s health failed, his son contacted BCR to rehome the three-year-old African Serval. BCR had agreed to rehome the young serval under the conditions of a contract with stipulations that the family would no longer own any exotic animals as pets and a health certificate would be completed by the serval’s veterinarian for BCR to apply for an import permit through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Due to Nala’s aggressive nature, she was unhandable, and the veterinarian confirmed that she was not up to date with her vaccinations and was declawed as a kitten. Nala arrived at BCR in January 2013 and was released into her 2,000-square-foot enclosure shortly after.
Original Rescue Story: When Nala’s owner’s health failed, his son contacted BCR to rehome the three-year-old African Serval. BCR had agreed to rehome the young serval under the conditions of a contract with stipulations that the family would no longer own any exotic animals as pets and a health certificate would be completed by the serval’s veterinarian for BCR to apply for an import permit through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Due to Nala’s aggressive nature, she was unhandable, and the veterinarian confirmed that she was not up to date with her vaccinations and was declawed as a kitten. Nala arrived at BCR in January 2013 and was released into her 2,000-square-foot enclosure shortly after.
