The ‘paws of Cape Town’, Hermes the Caracal, was honoured by a local artist who’s now using art to raise funds for other wild cats in Hermes’ honour.
Cape Town, South Africa (16 May, 2023)— One of the most beloved animal sightings in Cape Town was a caracal named after a greek god. Distinctive with his blue and green ear tags, Hermes the caracal rarely shied from a new opportunity to explore, bringing joy to all lucky enough to encounter his roaming.
Recently, Hermes was honoured in an artwork almost as beautiful as the wild cat as tributes continue to pour in for the ‘paws of Cape Town’. Now, the artist behind the work is using his art to raise funds for more caracals; helping protect them through creativity.
What Happened to Hermes?
Hermes’ adventures were tragically cut short after he was hit by a car on Philip Kgosana Drive last week. It was a heartbreaking moment for many Capetonians who know the threat road crossing poses to the wild cats still navigating urbanisation.
The Urban Caracal Project shared that Hermes had inspired people to learn more about caracals, forging a great love between locals and the wild cats.
Of learning about Hermes passing, the Urban Caracal Project shared:
“We have lost an icon…
“As part of our project, we collect caracal roadkill often, sometimes multiple times a month.
It is always hard but finding a tagged cat, and one with such personality who was so well-known and loved by all of us, was devastating. As wildlife ecologists, we should remain objective about our study animals — but how could we not grow to love this beautiful, brave, determined character.”
Hermes Honoured in Art
Some expressed their affection for the caracal with words and snapshot moments. Others, like artist Luke Stroebel took to art, dedicating a portrait to the beautiful cat.
Soon, the artwork took off, giving the artist behind it an idea: What if Hermes’ could still inspire people to help the caracal community?
Luke opted to donate the majority of the print proceeds to the Urban Caracal Project, sharing that if demand grows, all the proceeds will go to the organisation!
Check out Luke’s page to support his initiative.
Who Are the Urban Caracal Project?
The Urban Caracal Project is dedicated to helping and learning about caracals as the line between urbanisation and wildlife grows thinner and thinner. They’re the people responsible for illuminating roads that caracals cross alongside ‘Public Shows of Reflection’ to protect caracals from car-led deaths.
As caracals are an important pillar of biodiversity in South Africa, their protection is a mission that belongs to all of us so that Hermes’ friends can continue to live and explore safely.
You can learn more and support the Urban Caracal Project’s conservation efforts here.
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