AAP regularly takes in small cats with a lonely past as pets. Most of them are servals, but sometimes we also rescue caracals. Earlier this year, two caracals arrived at our rescue centre in Spain around the same time. Both animals had been kept as pets and grew up without any other animal of their own kind.
The caracal is a semi-social animal. At AAP, we therefore always try to place caracals together, if possible. This not only benefits the animals, but also gives us extra space to take in other animals.
Socialisation
The duration of a successful socialisation process always varies, but the approach is the same. The animals are first placed in adjacent enclosures, where they can see and smell each other through a fence or mesh. The animals are not yet actually together. This allows them to get used to each other in a calm and safe environment and get to know each other better. The animals are then moved to different enclosures so that they can get to know each other’s scent even better. The final step, if the initial signs are positive, is to place the animals together in the same enclosure.
Video: Two caracals share their lives
Pedro Valente, a big cat keeper, explains the process to socialise the caracals. We are delighted to see that the two have found the right companion and can spend the rest of their lives together.Finally together
The male (above) and the female now share an enclosure at our rescue centre in Spain. We are very happy that the two are getting along well.
Finally: unfortunately, we are not allowed to disclose the names of these animals, as they have been confiscated by the Spanish authorities. The criminal investigation is still ongoing.
