FreeMe Wildlife have been keeping DNA labs busy as they test “rescued” ferals, which are in fact, African wildcats. One of these rescues was recently released back into the wild.
South Africa (08 April 2026) – FreeMe Wildlife has been documenting its recent upswing in finding pure African Wildcats, caught up in domestic endeavours. From being caught in traps at chicken farms to kittens seeking refuge from storms, these feisty cats have been keeping the team busy.
While they may look like a domestic cat, African Wildcats are fierce and with a little DNA testing, a task undertaken by the FreeMe Wildlife team, they are able to confirm that the cats being “rescued” are, in fact, wild animals and not their domesticated counterparts.
After some observations and any needed treatments, the team make sure these marvellous felines end up back in the wild where they belong.
The African wildcat (Felis lybica) is the direct ancestor of the domestic cat. So it is easy to understand why there is a slight confusion now and again. They are slightly taller and more slender, but now and again, they can get a little round in the middle, if they find themselves living close to human settlements where pickings are easier, for example, a chicken farm…
A recent “rescue” turned out to be a very healthy specimen, and as soon as its identity was confirmed, the team arranged to get the wild feline back into the wild again.
“After genetic testing had proved this magnificent creature to be a pure African Wildcat weighing in at an impressive 5.7kg, the time had come to set him free.
We had chosen the beautiful UmPhafa Nature Reserve as the release site. Thank you Anthony, Amanda, and your team for assiting us with this release. 😁
We love what we do, and how we do it…”
Take a look at the moment this kitty ran free below. You can find out more about the work FreeMe Wildlife does via the website here.
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