Alberta woman fined for illegally importing serval cats

A male serval, pictured at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, was confiscated by Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement in November 2023. (Courtesy: Edmonton Valley Zoo)

A woman from Okotoks, Alta., was fined following an investigation into the illegal importation of two serval cats.

Nikki Holmes pleaded guilty to the possession of a controlled animal under the Wildlife Act in a Calgary courtroom in January in relation to an investigation by fish and wildlife officers.

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“Servals are large African wild cats, similar to cheetahs, and are listed as a controlled animal in Alberta that are unlawful to import or possess except under strict permitting requirements, usually only issued for zoos,” Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement said in a Facebook post.

Fish and wildlife said the woman purchased the big cats in British Columbia and Quebec and brought them to Alberta illegally to breed them.

After pleading guilty to the charge, she received a $15,000 fine.

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is now housing and caring for one of the cats.

The zoo said it has been caring for one male serval that was confiscated by Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement in November 2023.

“As part of our commitment to support wildlife conservation, the zoo works with various stakeholders, including Alberta Fish and Wildlife enforcement, to provide temporary or long-term care for confiscated wildlife, when able to do so,” the zoo said in an emailed statement.

The serval, turning two years old this spring, will remain at the zoo. He has also been successfully introduced to the zoo’s female serval.

“After adjusting to his new home, his personality has developed into that of a confident, sassy gentleman,” the zoo said.

Wildlife or fishery violations can be reported by calling the 24-hour Report-A-Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800, or online.