UPDATE: Kenai was found in the evening hours on Friday and has been reunited with his family.Residents of Swansboro may have recently spotted what they thought was a bobcat or a fox, but it could have been Kenai, an African serval who has escaped from his home. Kenai's family is actively searching for him every night.Galaxy, Kenai's brother, resides at the Wildcat Ranch in Richlands. Stacy Petit, who cares for the animals at the ranch, said, "They know us, they volunteer with us, they learned before they ever bought Kenai....
UPDATE: Kenai was found in the evening hours on Friday and has been reunited with his family.
Residents of Swansboro may have recently spotted what they thought was a bobcat or a fox, but it could have been Kenai, an African serval who has escaped from his home. Kenai's family is actively searching for him every night.
Galaxy, Kenai's brother, resides at the Wildcat Ranch in Richlands. Stacy Petit, who cares for the animals at the ranch, said, "They know us, they volunteer with us, they learned before they ever bought Kenai."
The Wildcat Ranch is home to a variety of animals, including African servals, caracals, Geoffroy's cats, rescue horses, pigs, domestic cats, exotic cats, sanctuary dogs, geese, ducks, and roos. Petit emphasized that the birds are not processed for the big cats but are allowed to live in the sanctuary.
With extensive experience working with special needs cats, Petit understands the behavior of animals like Kenai. "They’re prey animals, so even if mom is running up on him, he’s going to look at that as a predator is coming," she said.
Despite the challenges, Petit described Kenai as "sweet" and assured that he is not a threat. "He’s really not gonna harm anybody. He’s having a ball. He’s literally been within just feet of us, and Kenai’s-- Kenai’s having a blast," she said.
Petit also offered advice for those considering a serval as a pet. "Accidents are gonna happen, um—but know what you’re doing, please know the breed, know what you’re getting into, know that you need to have the means to do that," she said.
Kenai was spotted around 4 p.m. Friday afternoon, about three miles from his original location. He was last seen about one mile north of Possumwood Acres off of Parkertown Road in Hubert.
Kenai's parents and Petit wish to thank the Town of Swansboro for their help during this time.
Kenai's dad passed along the following," I would like to say thank you to the Town of Swansboro, Swansboro PD, NC Fish and Wildlife and Onslow County Animal Control for their help. Those who have reported sightings of him, and those who have interacted directly with us have provided critical information and we cannot thank them enough."
Anyone who sees Kenai is urged to contact the Wildcat Ranch or animal control. You can reach Wildcat Ranch on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wildcatranchnc/