ALBURTIS, Pa. (Lehigh Valley) — One of the three African servals that escaped from a Berks County wildlife preserve earlier this week has been safely captured, according to officials at the Cricket Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Alburtis.
The wildcat was located Thursday morning near a wooded area not far from the center’s property, roughly 24 hours after strong winds toppled a tree and damaged the enclosure that held the servals. Staff members, working alongside local volunteers and animal control officers, were able to safely contain the serval without injury.
The remaining two cats are still missing as of Thursday afternoon. The center said search teams are continuing to comb nearby wooded areas, fields, and residential neighborhoods in hopes of bringing the animals home.
“These cats have lived here for years — they’re older, gentle, and familiar with people who care for them,” the facility said in an update. “We’re relieved one is home, and we’re doing everything we can to find the others safely.”
The escaped servals, medium-sized wildcats native to Africa, are easily recognizable by their golden fur with black spots, long legs, and large ears. Although they are not considered a threat to the public, the center and local authorities are urging residents to avoid approaching any animal resembling a serval and to report sightings immediately.
Servals are known to be elusive and quick-moving, and officials believe the two remaining cats could be sheltering in wooded terrain near the Alburtis area or moving along open fields at night.
Residents in Alburtis, Lower Macungie, and western Lehigh County are urged to:
Keep pets indoors or under supervision Avoid leaving food outside Report any possible sightings to the wildlife center or local police
The rehabilitation center said these were the last servals from its former exotic cat rescue program. Staff and volunteers plan to rebuild the damaged enclosure once all animals are safely recovered.
Search efforts will continue through the evening.
