Kyiv Zoo shows new home for servals rescued from Donetsk Oblast – photos, video

The Kyiv Zoo has provided new homes for four servals rescued by volunteers from under Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast nearly a year ago.

Source: Kyiv City State Administration and Kyiv Zoological Park of National Importance

Details: The servals were handed over to specialists at the Kyiv Zoo in a "terrible condition".

The four servals, named Osiris, Sekhmet, Hor and Isida, were sick and exhausted due to the stress they had endured.

For nearly a year, zoo specialists have been treating and rehabilitating the animals. Along with improving their physical health, the servals required support to restore their disrupted psycho-emotional balance and socialisation.

The spotted predators have now been provided with new homes, where they have had time to settle in, the Kyiv Zoo reports. Their enclosures feature African-style trees with climbing frames, scratching posts, hammocks, and other cosy spaces for play and rest.

The new enclosures for the servals include a variety of soil types and stone rocks, providing them with plenty of opportunities to walk and jump comfortably.

Read also: Kyiv Zoo builds new home for Ara parrots saved from war – photos

"To replicate natural conditions, the habitats were equipped with three types of lighting: daylight simulating the sun, infrared lighting for twilight, and moonlight for the night," Kyiv Zoo added.

A video shared by Kyiv Zoo specialists captures the servals exploring their new habitat, sniffing toys and testing their durability.

The cats' "housewarming" also included some treats – Osiris, Sekhmet, Hor and Isida had a chance to snack after their active play in their new home.

You can meet the spotted servals at the Island of Animals in Kyiv Zoo.

Earlier, on the eve of St Nicholas Day, three rare pink pelicans, listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, hatched at the Kyiv Zoo. (The Red Book of Ukraine is the official national red list of threatened animals, plants, and fungi protected by law in Ukraine – ed.).

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