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Save the Serval - Save the African Serval

admin

Paige
Staff member
This is a wonderful video and really states what needs to be said... however, I am a bit concerned that it is giving the message that raising a Serval is no different than raising a large dog or cat (they eat with us, they sleep with us). I know that was just a couple of slides of the entire presentation, but to be honest they are the ones I remember most. I just wouldn't want this to backfire and encourage people to go out and purchase a Serval when they are completely unequipped to handle one.

Let me think about it, since we know that raising a serval is very different.
 

Patti

Admin
Staff member
Well, I don't think you want to say anything that could be perceived as negative either. Maybe instead of saying things like 'they are part of our families ... they eat with us ... they sleep with us' you can say something like 'Servals develop a very special bond with their human families ... this bond runs deep and is like no other ... owning a Serval is a lifelong commitment ... or something to that effect...
 

Trish Allearz

Moderator
I'm going to say that I think you have a valid point, Patti, BUT in the end- anything positive we say about a Serval could have any idiot running out and trying to buy one. Good thing is- they aren't on every street corner nor at every local pet shop. In this situation, we need a powerful video that shows how Servals ARE our pets- they ARE a part of our family. We don't want to portray them as simply another animal, but as an animal that is integrated into their family's lives. I would think all of the cute videos of Servals on Youtube would be more likely to encourage ownership versus a video that actually says that Servals are being outright banned in certain states. Hope that makes sense!
 

admin

Paige
Staff member
Bottom line - the end of the video will take the viewer to a page that will educate the public about servals...but banning a serval by a bunch of legislative bureaucrats who know nothing about them is what this is about.
 

Teresa@Wildstreak

Savannah Teenager
"I am a bit concerned that it is giving the message that raising a Serval is no different than raising a large dog or cat (they eat with us, they sleep with us). "

I have three servals and i have to say IMHO they are NO different then raising a large puppy.
I would rather raise a serval then a great dane or border collie pup! or even some of these small hyper terriers! We have to remember that irresponsible breeders and irresponsible owners are everywhere.
People will see pics of puppies and buy them because they are cute.. and are terrible owners. BUT the breeder should have caught that ! it is not the fault of the person posting cute puppy pictures on the internet or youtube.

I feel the same way about servals. I think for some people (myself included) they are PERFECT pets ! better then any dog or cat I have ever owned! If more people want to go out and inquire about owning a serval as a pet this might be a good thing ! We just have to hope the serval breeders screen new owners just as we hope border collie breeders screen new owners. We also have to assume new owners will read up about what they are buying.. whether puppy or serval...and make sure it is a good fit for their lifestyle.
Realistically. we can only police our own cattery and kitten owners, we cannot control all the idiots in the world.

Sorry for the long posting I really just wanted to give kudos to Paige on a professional job --well done! and it is great to see all the feedback and discussion about it.... just wanted to share my 2 cents. Teresa
 

admin

Paige
Staff member
Teresa, it's great to see you here! I want to thank you for all your help - I can't begin to tell you how awesome your servals are! And I could not have made this video without Trish and jennifer Gray along with Pam's encouragement...and thank you to all the serval owners who shared their precious pictures with us.

I love this video - it was a group effort...I am proud of it...proud of the emotion it evokes and proud of trying to save a small exotic cat that certainly should not be banned...
 

Per Lausund

Moderator
Staff member
Well, I don't think you want to say anything that could be perceived as negative either. Maybe instead of saying things like 'they are part of our families ... they eat with us ... they sleep with us' you can say something like 'Servals develop a very special bond with their human families ... this bond runs deep and is like no other ... owning a Serval is a lifelong commitment ... or something to that effect...
IMO that is part of the heart-softening effect of the video, I wouldn´t change it! I think it´s wonderful.
 
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