She’s regaining her strength and will eventually be released back into the wild!
Limpopo, South Africa (07 May 2026) – After spending days alone in heavy downpour, a juvenile serval was rescued by the wildlife team at Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre. The NPO rescues, rehabilitates, and releases local wildlife that has been orphaned, injured, or displaced.
“This is a female serval kitten who was found completely alone after days of heavy rain. She was carefully monitored for 48 hours in the hope that her mother would return, but sadly she never did.”
“Cold, wet, and hungry, the little one needed help. We stepped in and took her to Tzaneen Animal Clinic, where she was assessed. Despite everything she had been through, she was not in terrible condition — a true little fighter.”
After receiving fluids, warming up, and eating, the little one began to bounce back. Umoya says she’ll remain in their care until she fully regains her strength, after which she’ll be released back into the wild.
“The good news is that servals are naturally feisty, independent, and don’t tame easily — exactly what we want. That wild spirit will be her greatest strength when the time comes for her to return where she belongs.”
According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute, serval kittens are generally weaned at five months, but can stay with their mothers for up to a year. Between 18 and 24 months, they become independent and reach sexual maturity. Servals can live up to 10 years in the wild!
Umoya does remarkable work, particularly with regard to the world’s most trafficked mammal — the pangolin. We’ve previously reported on cases where the facility has stepped in to rescue pangolins from trafficking rings and confiscate them from the illegal trade. The animals are rehabilitated – many are found wounded and weak – until they are ready to be safely released back into the wild.
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