The African wild cat, rescued in Kingsburgh in June 2024 and taken in by the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow), is now nearly ready to return to its natural habitat after completing rehabilitation.

Also read: Help name rescued wild cat

At the time of the rescue, Crow’s operations director, Clint Halkett-Siddall, mentioned that a concerned citizen had found the cat by the roadside and stepped in to help.

“This little one was confirmed as a Southern African wild cat through thorough examination and genetic testing by our expert nurses. He is under the dedicated care of our team, receiving essential medical attention and nourishment to ensure his recovery and well-being,” said Halkett-Siddall.

Southern African wild cats are a rare species, recognised for their distinct markings and exceptional hunting skills. They have been known to cross-breed with domestic cats.

He has since been named Zazu after Crow encouraged members of the public to pick a suitable name for him.

“This move is another important milestone as we prepare Zazu for his release into the wild, planned for February or March. He has one final enclosure to transition through before he is ready to reclaim his place in nature. Your support makes this journey possible. By donating to Zazu’s care, you’re playing a crucial role in helping him achieve the freedom he deserves. Visit www.crowkzn.co.za/donations/african-wildcat/ to contribute. Every donation, no matter the size, ensures Zazu receives the best care and preparation for his release. Thank you for being part of his incredible journey back to the wild,” said Crow in a statement.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.