At TCWR, the well-being of all our rescued animals is at the heart of our mission. Ensuring that all our resident wild cats and bears survive and thrive throughout the seasons requires a deep understanding of each species’ needs and requirements. This commitment is evident during the winter months when special attention is given to the care of our African animals, like servals and caracals, whose native habitats are far removed from the chill of the Ozark winter.
African servals and caracals, native to the sprawling savannas of central and southern Africa, have flourished in warmer climates. However, both cats have adapted behaviors to cope with environmental extremes. They adopt a crepuscular lifestyle to avoid the intense daytime heat, becoming most active during the cooler twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This behavioral trait supports their hunting and roaming needs and ensures they conserve energy during the hottest parts of the day.
By recognizing their instinctual behaviors and temperature sensitivities, TCWR can provide a lifestyle that ensures their comfort and well-being, even in cold temperatures. All servals and caracals at TCWR have access to a heated building that offers warmth and serves as a secure retreat that mimics the conditions these cats instinctively seek.
Particularly, servals are known for their love to climb, leap, and play in the water, whereas caracals prefer to stay closer to the ground and can be spotted in shrubs or brush. To encourage these natural behaviors inside and outside their heated buildings, animal care staff incorporates specialized enrichment, like elevated platforms, climbing structures, and additional stimulation for their love of exploration in both areas.
However, it is important to recognize that these smaller wild cats face threats as victims of the exotic pet trade in captivity and within their native habitats. Both cat populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss, global climate change, and poaching/hunting for their fur. Both servals and caracals play a vital role in their ecosystems, acting as skilled hunters that help maintain balance by controlling populations of rodents, birds, and other small animals. Their presence contributes to the overall health of their native habitats, ensuring biodiversity and ecological stability.
As human activity encroaches upon their environments, finding alternative ways to protect these species is crucial. From supporting conservation initiatives and habitat restoration projects to raising awareness about the harms of the exotic pet trade, humans can take meaningful steps to safeguard servals, caracals, and the ecosystems they call home. At TCWR, efforts to provide refuge for these animals also serve as a platform to educate the public about the importance of protecting them in the wild.