Saka’s Passing

September 22, 2025

Celebrating the life of Saka Serval (2008 – 2025)

Saka started showing signs of discomfort on Saturday evening. He was moving slowly and did not have his usual enthusiasm for treats. When he did not bounce back the following morning, we began the routine medications and fluids that we use for stomach upset and dehydration. While those helped initially, he never fully recovered before declining again a little over 24 hours later. We knew there was something more going on. Saka was taken to our vet, where imaging, blood work, and a physical exam were performed to find answers. We found multiple tumors throughout Saka’s abdomen, as well as a very high heart rate and blood pressure. Dr. Lassiter and consulting vets suspected lymphoma. After considering all avenues and outcomes, the decision was made to let Saka go peacefully.

Saka’s rescue story is different from many of our other residents. After a sister sanctuary had to make decisions to change its mission focus to native wildlife, they reached out through our network of sanctuaries to make the best decisions for the non-native species already in their care. We were able to offer Saka and three other servals a final home at Carolina Tiger Rescue, where they could continue to give them the high level of care that they had been given for years before. Saka started his life as many servals in captivity do, as a private pet that needed rescue after their owner realized they could not provide them with proper care. Saka was very lucky that he got to experience the love and care of two sanctuaries after being part of the pet trade.

When he arrived at Carolina Tiger Rescue with his three enclosure-mates, he let us know right away that he had things to say… about everything. Serval vocalizations are often a lot of hisses. Sometimes you get some chirps, and if you’re fortunate, you’ll hear some purrs. Saka did it all. He could be heard throughout the sanctuary and sneaking into the background of radio calls. It was often difficult for Keepers to hold a conversation near him because he would vocalize so loudly, demanding treats or attention. The sanctuary will be a lot quieter, and it will make that loss feel a little bigger for a while. Saka received a lot of attention as the only serval that became darker over the course of his time here. Saka’s coat became hyperpigmented over the last year, making him darker and darker for reasons we are unsure of, but Saka never noticed. I know we will all miss this little not-so-silent shadow.

Every loss is felt at the sanctuary. Saka’s story started the same way so many of our other small cats did- as wild animals in the pet trade. As we grieve Saka, we also pivot to be ready to provide a home for the next animal that needs us. We continue to work with our sister sanctuaries to offer the best possible care for these animals. We work toward a day when they don’t need rescuing.

With a heavy heart,
Kathryn Bertok
Assistant Director