Serval

This agile built, long legged cat was saved as a kitten from a Sangoma’s hut just in time as her mother was already being cooked for “muti”.

Servals have significance in the traditional medicine trade and their skins are used for traditional regalia. The definition for traditional healing varies but animals are sometimes incorporated into these healing practices. The knowledge is passed down through generations to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being and this is unfortunately the fate of many animals. It has been recorded that there is no medicinal value in any animal product but traditional medicine continues to play a big role in some of Africa’s cultures.

Gaby arrived at the park as a small but lively kitten. She was raised by hand and apart from an intestinal infection she had as a kitten, she grew up to be a beautiful cat with a feisty attitude.