Serval
Photo Credit: SPCA Springs

A Serval found itself in a slippery situation in a mining dam. But, thanks to a 6th sense of trust, SPCA Springs staff were able to rescue the wild cat in the most incredible way. Watch!

 

Delmas, South Africa (15 March 2024) — The quick-thinking of two SPCA Springs staff members and a 6th sense of trust became the reason that a Serval was rescued from its plight in a place few cats would ever dare to tread.

The Serval had found itself in a mining dam in Delmas, much to the distress of the nearby staff. While the exact reason for the Serval’s misadventure in odd territory is unknown, this cat might have been hunting (Servals can be water hunters when necessary) or perhaps simply ended up going for an accidental slip and dip.

After the mining staff called the SPCA Springs and explained the situation, team members Mandie and Paulos wasted no time in getting to scene of the Serval.

Upon their arrival, they searched for anything that could bring the Serval back to land. As it so often does, a life buoy came to the rescue. But unlike most rescue efforts that involve buoys, the trick of the matter was getting this particular rescuee to trust that this buoy was helpful without being able to communicate that in words.

The Serval needed to use the buoy as a lifeline that would halter it up the treacherous plastic slope that couldn’t be climbed.

But, something amazing happened when the buoy and the Serval met.

“Mandie managed to lower the life buoy to in front of the Serval, and to their amazement, the Serval, sensing the lifeline offered, gingerly climbed aboard the buoy. It was as if the wild cat understood the rescue operation and entrusted itself to the hands of its human counterparts. With a mix of relief and admiration, Mandie began to tow the buoy up the slope towards the grass edge,” shares the SPCA Springs.

“With each tug, everyone marvelled at the grace and resilience of this wild creature. Despite its ordeal, the Serval exhibited a quiet dignity—a testament to the untamed spirit of this majestic creature.”

And just like that, the Serval was pulled to safety before heading off swiftly back into the bush.

The moment of trust and a sense of knowing go to show just how clever animals are. And for the duo who made the rescue possible, it will go down as a once-in-a-lifetime rescue that conquered all odds.

Watch: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Rescue


Sources: SPCA Springs
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About the Author

Ashleigh Nefdt is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Ashleigh's favourite stories have always seen the hidden hero (without the cape) come to the rescue. As a journalist, her labour of love is finding those everyday heroes and spotlighting their spark - especially those empowering women, social upliftment movers, sustainability shakers and creatives with hearts of gold. When she's not working on a story, she's dedicated to her canvas or appreciating Mother Nature.

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