Amiry Update
Amiry, the serval also known as “Cocaine Cat,” has improved in health and has been moved to the Cat Ambassador Program. The Cincinnati Zoo is providing him with the care, space, and physical and mental enrichment that he needs, which cannot be provided in a home.
Why Exotic Animals Don’t Make Good Pets
Servals are wild animals native to sub-Saharan Africa and are not suited for being kept as pets due to their unique adaptations and need for specialized care. Only domestic housecats make good pets and should be adopted, spayed/neutered, and kept indoors.
Official statement from Cincinnati Animal CARE
Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC) and Hamilton County Dog Wardens rescued Amiry after he escaped from a police stop and climbed a tree. He tested positive for exposure to cocaine and was found to be a serval, which is illegal to own in Ohio. His owner cooperated and paid for his care until ownership transfers were finalized. Amiry was safely transported to the Cincinnati Zoo, which is providing him with the care he needs. CAC and Hamilton County Dog Wardens urge anyone with information about the case to contact them.
The case remains open pending additional evidence, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture is investigating. CAC reminds the community that thousands of animals in need of rescue will not receive this level of publicity, and encourages people to visit their county animal shelter before going to a breeder.
Read the Source Here
Cincy Animal CARE is a non-profit organization that is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in the Cincinnati area. One of their most notable rescues was a serval, a small wild cat native to Africa.
The serval was found wandering the streets in Cincinnati, likely abandoned as a pet. Serval cats, while often desired as exotic pets, are not suitable for domestic life and require specialized care. Cincy Animal CARE immediately took in the serval and began providing him with the necessary medical attention and support.
The zoo was also contacted to see if they could provide a permanent home for the serval. The Cincinnati Zoo has a rescue program dedicated to providing a safe and appropriate living space for exotic animals in need.
After evaluating the serval’s physical and behavioral health, the zoo was able to provide him with a spacious enclosure and the appropriate diet and care. The serval quickly adapted to his new home and has become a beloved member of the zoo’s animal family.
This rescue serves as a reminder of the importance of properly researching and understanding the responsibilities of owning an exotic pet. Too often, people acquire these animals without fully comprehending the specialized care they require, leading to abandonment or mistreatment.
Cincy Animal CARE and the Cincinnati Zoo’s rescue program provide a necessary safety net for these animals, providing them with the care and attention they need to thrive. The serval’s story is just one of many success stories made possible by these organizations.
To support Cincy Animal CARE and the Cincinnati Zoo’s rescue program, individuals can make donations or volunteer their time to help care for the animals. Together, we can help ensure that all animals, exotic or otherwise, are given the love and care they deserve.
