Servals

Servals at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium Zoo

Slender, spotted, and built for the hunt—servals are one of Africa’s most skilled and graceful wild cats. With long legs, oversized ears, and lightning-fast reflexes, they’re perfectly adapted for stalking through tall grass and pouncing with precision.

In the wild

Native to the savannas and wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa, servals are solitary hunters that rely on stealth, sound, and speed to catch small prey like rodents, birds, frogs, and insects. Their powerful hind legs allow them to leap over 2 metres straight up—one of the highest vertical jumps in the animal kingdom.

At Hobart Zoo and Aquarium Zoo, our servals live in a carefully designed habitat that reflects their natural terrain and gives them plenty of opportunities to climb, hide, and stay sharp.

How We Keep Our Servals Thriving

Carnivore Enrichment

Our servals enjoy a diet of raw meat, whole prey, and animal-safe bones, hidden around the habitat to encourage stalking, leaping, and foraging.
Wild Spaces

Their exhibit includes elevated platforms, grass mounds, tunnels, and quiet hideouts, supporting natural movement and solitary behaviour.
Voluntary Training

Through positive reinforcement, our servals participate in basic health checks and training sessions—helping keepers monitor their wellbeing with minimal stress.

🐾 Watch these stunning cats at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium Zoo as they leap, stalk, and explore—showing off the grace and agility that make servals one of Africa’s most incredible hunters.