Their Story
Once upon a time there was a bobcat (North America's most common little wildcat) and a serval (the seldom-seen night hunter of the faraway African bush). But these particular two wildcats had never known life in the wild. Purchased in another state as pets, they were neutered and declawed by their owner. They were well taken care of, but it is illegal to own any wild cat in California without a permit. One day Kato, the serval, got out. He was found roaming a neighborhood in Woodland Hills, captured, and taken to an animal shelter. Then the shelter received a tip about some other illegal house pets. When the authorities followed up the lead, Pablo, the bobcat, was found hidden in a closet. The shelter contacted Wildworks, and luckily we were able to take them both in. Since they had been raised together and were obviously buddies, we housed them in the same enclosure. That was back in December 1997. Fortunately, the two cats are still here with us.
Pablo, the bobcat, does not like to be touched but sometimes will rub up against us. Kato, the serval, can be petted when he's in the mood. Pablo loves sage and enjoys chasing a stream of water. Kato will eat a raw egg right out of your hand and hisses a lot (This can be a form of greeting unless his ears are back.) But they are too wild to take to our educational programs, so we are kept busy doing our best to make their lives as enriched and interesting as possible.
|
