Adelaide Zoo
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Spotted: Super Servals have health check at Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo’s two Servals were given a health check by vets at its Animal Health Centre with both cats getting the lick of approval from veterinarian David McLelland.

“It’s routine to give all our animals regular health checks. For the Servals this included blood and urine tests, xrays, ultrasound, a vaccination – the same that vets give to pet cats,” said David.

“Kali, our 13-year-old female was the first of the pair on the table. She was in good health but did show a few arthritic changes associated with her advanced years. We will monitor these carefully.

“One of her teeth was discoloured so she could be a candidate for root canal treatment in the future.

“We also determined that she is carrying a bit of extra weight, so we will work with our animal nutritionist and keepers to adjust her diet.

“Maji the male Serval, who is 16-years-old, was also given a good bill of health. Like Kali he could do with losing a little bit of weight but is otherwise healthy,” finished David.

Successful in-situ conservation has shown Serval numbers are stable in the wild, however, the wild cat faces the same issues that many cats face: the fur trade, illegal pet trade and the reduction and degradation of its habitat.

The Serval plays a vital role in the delicate balance that is the wetland ecosystem. Zoos SA works with a number of conservation partners that provide a wealth of services including habitat restoration to help save species from extinction. Visitation and engagement with animal experiences are just some of ways Zoos SA raises funds for the global conservation programs it supports.