Thane is an approximately 2 1/2 year old male serval who arrived at our sanctuary in August of 2023.
Our staff drove to Michigan to help rescue 4 exotic cats from Even Keel Exotics, a facility with a long list of violations of the Animal Welfare Act and Endangered Species Act. They include 2 caracals, a fishing cat, and Thane, a young serval.
Even Keel Exotics was an exotic animal dealer who bought, sold, traded and exploited animals through paid animal encounters. Sadly, he offered encounters with young animals that had been taken from their
mothers at just days and weeks old.
In all, 142 animals were seized and sent to reputable facilities where they will receive the compassionate care they deserve.
Thankfully, this facility has now been permanently closed down by authorities.
Since 2014, USDA inspection reports cite an astonishing 74 violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including animals being deprived of water and denied veterinary care.
Inspectors found animals living in cramped, filthy cages that didn’t even provide adequate shelter from inclement weather.
Our staff were one of the first teams onsite and safely removed the cats housed there. They saw cages that were barren and dirty. Luckily, these four cats are all young and resilient.
Life at the Sanctuary
Thane arrived with a broken toe. He had balding fur around his neck from the e-collar he had on and a small injury on his forehead. He also had a history of having anxiety, stereotypical pacing behavior, and plucking his tail fur.
But once safely at the sanctuary, he was willing to explore his new space and enjoy his meals right away. Thane confidently rested out in the open, a great sign that he was already quite comfortable here.
Thane is very social to people. And he loves the temporary natural habitat we prepared for him in the quarantine section of the sanctuary. It’s probably the first time he’s felt grass! Plus, he likes interacting with the cats next door.
As with all our cats, Thane will be receiving an intake exam, deworming, vaccines and eventually be spayed and neutered.
Then, we look forward to having him enjoy the company of our other servals here at the sanctuary in his new permanent habitat filled with everything a serval might enjoy.
How You Can Help
Thane will have many years ahead here at the sanctuary. The day of rescue is just day one of a long lifetime of care costs.
One of the best ways to help is by becoming his sponsor parent. Or, another way is with a one time donation toward his care. It’s easy to do using the buttons at the top of this page. Thank you!
