Sammy's Story

Sammy and his brother, Enzo, were rescued in July 2018 at two months old. Their story illustrates the horrors behind the U.S. exotic pet trade. Rescued from Upstate New York, their previous owner was illegally buying and shipping servals from the wild in Africa. He had sold 32 exotic animals to private owners before being brought to justice by the New York Department of Conservation and World Animal Protection. Authorities seized four servals, including Sammy and Enzo, and two caracals. Sammy and Enzo arrived at TCWR with an infestation of parasitic worms and suffering from Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Luckily, Sammy and Enzo will spend the remainder of their lives at the Refuge, where we will continually monitor their medical condition. Authorities placed the other animals seized from this wildlife dealer at another affiliated Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA) facility.

Sammy is an energetic and friendly cat who loves to run up and greet his keepers, often walking along the fence line with them as they make their rounds. He shows his excitement with a mix of chirps, purrs, and the occasional hiss-like sound, all unique vocalizations that highlight his playful personality. He enjoys lounging underneath the bench platforms in his habitat or relaxing on a firehose bench inside his night house building. Sammy is particularly fond of playing with various enrichment items, which keep him active and engaged.