Servals are long-legged African wild cats adapted for leaping to catch birds and rodents in tall grass. Zoo welfare requires vertical space, hunting enrichment, and protection from the exotic pet trade that depletes wild populations.
Serval welfare in accredited zoos requires tall enclosures with grass or tall vegetation that allows their natural hunting posture and leap behaviour. Flat, bare enclosures deny servals the opportunity to express the leaping, pouncing, and grass-stalking behaviours central to their natural repertoire. Enrichment should simulate the aerial prey capture they excel at — feather lures, hanging prey items, and live invertebrate prey engage hunting sequences. Servals are noise-sensitive and stress easily in high-footfall exhibit areas without retreat options. The welfare of wild-caught servals entering the exotic pet trade is a separate but related concern — these animals suffer enormously in domestic settings, with inadequate space, diet, and social context. Zoos should actively campaign against serval keeping as pets and refuse to source individuals from the trade.