On 21st January 2025, Dartmoor Zoo welcomed Churchill, a male serval. He arrived under circumstances that would change his life forever and, in many ways, ours too.
When we first heard about the situation at The Cat Survival Trust, we knew we needed to help. Churchill was recused alongside 27 other cats from deeply concerning conditions, who have now gone to other collections to begin their new life. Thanks to the collective efforts of Dartmoor Zoo, Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary, Churchill was given a second chance, and a forever home.
Since that day, Churchill has settled into life at Dartmoor Zoo, growing in confidence, character, and curiosity. From the careful preparation of his new habitat, to being introduced to his companion Sabra, every step of his journey has been shaped by patience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his welfare.
Now, a year on from his rescue, we’re reflecting on how far Churchill has come, from a serval at risk, to a much-loved individual thriving at Dartmoor Zoo. His story is one of resilience, collaboration, and the difference that timely intervention can make for wild animals in need.
As we mark this milestone, our CEO Dr David Gibson, Keeper Hannah Ivory, and Head of Estates and Maintenance Stuart Franklin share their reflections on Churchill’s first year with us.
Dr. David Gibson, Dartmoor Zoo CEO.
“Rescuing an animal is never straight forward. Along with the logistics and challenges that come with the initial rescue there is always a worry of how badly the animal has been affected by its experiences. What will its long-term health be like, how resilient will it be psychologically? Thankfully in the case of Churchill the male Serval our worst fears didn’t materialise.
A year on and he has settled into life here at Dartmoor Zoo perfectly. Thankfully he is fit and healthy with a great appetite and doesn’t seem to have any underlying health issues that we can see. He has accepted his companion, Sabra, extremely well and his interactions with our keepers are playful and full of trust. He is undoubtedly living a very worthwhile life, free of stress and anxiety and we look forward to him being in the zoo for a long time to come.“
Hannah Ivory, Dartmoor Zoo Keeper.
“Churchill came to us with some questionable serval manners but has settled really comfortably into life with our female, Sabra, who has taught him many a lesson on cat etiquette. He has always showed his keepers his very cheeky and playful nature and his love for food, with anything he can jump and throw around in the air being his favourite.
The duo are now inseparable and although she isn’t afraid to tell him off for trying to steal her food, they love spending time together snuggled up in their beds or investigating new enrichment items together.”
Stuart Franklin, Dartmoor Zoo Head of Estates and Maintenance
“Churchill was the first new addition to the zoo after I started. It was really exciting to be involved in the rescue of such a charismatic animal. Right from the very first day it was as though he had spent his whole life at the zoo. His smiling, friend-shaped persona has made him a firm favourite of mine.
The house in his new home was built from scratch specially with servals in mind – warm, well insulated. Over the period of construction probably around 150 people were involved, including a large number of volunteer groups, without which we could never have finished in the timescale.”
Thank you for joining us in celebrating Churchill’s first year with us. If you’d like to help us continue the important work we do at Dartmoor Zoo, please consider making a donation.