The servals were kept illegally as pets in Belgium until they were taken to the Natuurhulpcentrum wildlife rescue centre until a permanent home could be found.
A dedicated team looked after the animals until the Born Free Foundation offered to relocate them into the Born Free Rescue Section at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary. Born Free funded four purpose-built enclosures for the servals.
Etihad Cargo flew the servals from Brussels to Cape Town in crates in climate-controlled conditions.
Lizaene Cornwall-Nyquist, Co-Founder of Panthera Africa says they have been waiting two years for the servals due to the pandemic and is excited to welcome them to their new home, saying: “We are very excited to learn their behaviour and get to know them as individuals. And once again, we feel very honoured and privileged to work with Born Free and NCH, as well as Etihad Airways who sponsored the flights for this relocation.”
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group adds: “Etihad Cargo is pleased that the movement of the servals will be the first booking to be made using the Forever Home policy. The safety and wellbeing of animals transported on Etihad Cargo is vital and is guaranteed using the IATA CEIV accredited LiveAnimals product.”