Three servals rescued from illegal trafficking find sanctuary at Oasis Wildlife

The operation reinforces cooperation between public entities and rescue centres in the fight against exotic wildlife trafficking

Three specimens of serval (Leptailurus serval), a wild‑cat species native to sub‑Saharan Africa, have been transferred to Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura, a rescue and recovery centre, after being seized by the Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza (SEPRONA) of the Guardia Civil Command of Las Palmas as part of an international operation against illegal wildlife trafficking.

The three servals—a male, a female and their offspring—were confiscated in an intervention led by the National Police, in collaboration with Interpol, the DEA and SEPRONA, and placed under the custody of the Fundación Neotrópico (Tenerife). The non‑profit organisation has been rescuing, rehabilitating and recovering wildlife and exotic species for more than two decades, while also fighting illegal species trafficking.

On 27 October, after less than a month of planning and coordination, the animals were moved to Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura, where they will remain in judicial deposit and receive specialised care and continuous veterinary monitoring.

A joint operation

The operation required a high level of coordination between SEPRONA, Fundación Neotrópico and Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura. The common goal was to guarantee the safety and of servals at every stage, reviewing transport cages, ensuring proper hydration and controlling temperature during the journey.

During the transfer, protocols of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) were applied, prioritising stress reduction by avoiding noise, bright lights and crowds.

“A transfer of this nature requires precision, planning and close cooperation among all entities involved,” explains Jaime Urioste, president and research coordinator of Fundación Neotrópico. “From the Foundation we have worked closely with SEPRONA and the Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura team to coordinate each phase of the process and ensure the servals’ welfare during the transfer. This action reflects the joint commitment and mutual trust that have united us for many years in protecting wildlife.”

Fundación Neotrópico and Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura have maintained a long‑standing collaboration in the rescue and recovery of wildlife, working together with SEPRONA on numerous seizures and joint actions that have established them as reference centres for conservation and animal welfare in the Canary Islands.

Quarantine and adaptation in a natural environment

• Quarantine: Before the move, the servals completed a quarantine protocol at Fundación Neotrópico, including coprological and haematological analyses (blood chemistry, haematocrit) to assess health and rule out parasites or diseases.
• Health check: Upon arrival at Oasis Wildlife, veterinarians and caretakers examined the animals and released them into a species‑adapted enclosure to facilitate adaptation. From the first moment they displayed calm and curious behaviour, indicating good health.
• Enclosure design: Oasis Wildlife has created a spacious, safe and natural setting with vegetation, shaded areas and shelters that allow the servals to climb, explore and express natural behaviours.
• Diet: Their diet consists of rodents, birds and small reptiles, covering all nutritional needs.
• Welfare protocol: The centre follows a comprehensive animal‑welfare manual that includes specific diets, veterinary protocols, environmental enrichment programmes and cooperative training, strengthening trust with caretakers and reducing stress.

“This operation demonstrates what can be achieved when different institutions share a common goal: protecting wildlife,” says Guacimara Cabrera, CEO of Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura. “We deeply appreciate the trust and collaboration of Fundación Neotrópico, whose experience and professionalism are essential in this type of action, and of SEPRONA of the Guardia Civil Command of Las Palmas, whose constant and rigorous work makes it possible for these animals, victims of illegal species trafficking, to have a second chance in conditions of welfare and safety.”

Victims of illegal trafficking

Illegal wildlife trafficking is one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity, affecting millions of animals each year. Servals, like other wild felids, are direct victims of this trade, driven by demand for exotic pets and the illicit wildlife market.

These animals are not suitable as pets. They require extensive space, specialised diets and continuous veterinary care—conditions impossible to guarantee in a domestic setting. Moreover, as they mature they can develop aggressive behaviours, posing risks to both people and themselves.

Thanks to this operation, the three servals now have a second chance in a secure environment, where they will remain in judicial deposit and receive comprehensive, welfare‑focused care.