Okotoks woman fined for importing African wildcats with intention to breed

An Okotoks woman has pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled animal following an investigation by Alberta Fish and Wildlife into the illegal import of two Serval cats into the province.

A southern Alberta woman has been fined after pleading guilty to illegally importing two African wildcats into the province.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement says Okotoks resident Nikki Holmes plead guilty last month to the possession of a controlled animal under the Wildlife Act.

An investigation by wildlife officers found Holmes had purchased the servals — large African wild cats, similar to cheetahs — in British Columbia and Quebec, and imported them into Alberta illegally with the intention of breeding them.

Servals are listed as a controlled animal in Alberta and are illegal to import or possess except under strict permitting requirements, usually issued to zoos. Holmes has received a $15,000 fine.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife says the animals are being housed and cared for at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

In a statement, the zoo confirms they have been caring for a male serval that was confiscated in November 2023.

“The male serval, who turns two years old this spring, has thrived in the care of the zoo, has been successfully introduced to the zoo’s female serval, and will be remaining at the zoo,” reads the zoo’s statement.

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