They’re getting stronger every day.
Last fall, a fire tore through a sugarcane field in South Africa, leaving behind scorched and destruction. Shortly after the blaze, Dr. Peet Venter received an urgent phone call.
Locals had spotted what they believed were small kittens struggling in the burned debris.
But when Dr. Venter — a veterinarian with Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation — reviewed a video of the animals, he realized these were not house cats at all.
They were two tiny serval cubs, barely three weeks old.
Covered in Soot and Fighting to Breathe
In the video, the cubs were completely covered in soot and barely able to lift their heads. They were clearly suffering from smoke inhalation and exhaustion.
Dr. Venter immediately rushed to the scene with Deidre Joubert, head of Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation, and her daughter Thumi.
When they arrived at the burned field, what they found was heartbreaking.
“Both kittens were in a very serious state,” Joubert said.
“They were weak, dehydrated, suffering from smoke inhalation, and had multiple burn wounds.”
Orphaned and Injured, But Not Alone
No adult servals were found in the area, leading the team to believe the cubs had lost their mother in the fire.
Joubert named the survivors Phoenix and Isha — a fitting name for animals that had quite literally risen from the ashes.
Both cubs had burns on their faces, ear tips, and paw pads. Phoenix’s injuries were especially severe, particularly on her face and tail.
“We believe Isha may have been partially shielded by Phoenix during the fire,” Joubert said.
Around-the-Clock Care at the Rehab Center
Back at the rehabilitation center, Phoenix and Isha received intensive medical treatment, including:
- IV fluids
- Antibiotics
- Oxygen nebulizers to clear smoke from their lungs
- Pain management for their burns
For weeks, Joubert and Thumi fed the cubs every two hours — even throughout the night — while carefully cleaning and treating their wounds.
A Young Rescuer Becomes Their Surrogate Mother
Joubert credits her daughter Thumi with playing a huge role in the cubs’ recovery.
“Thumi took over many of the night shifts,” Joubert said.
“Her calm, gentle nature reminded them what it felt like to be mothered.”
The cubs often slept on her lap, finally able to rest without fear.
From Burn Victims to Playful “Little Monsters”
Nearly three months after their rescue, Phoenix and Isha are now healthy, energetic, and full of personality.
Joubert lovingly calls them her “little monsters.”
“Phoenix is bold and determined,” she said.
“Isha is more cautious, but just as adventurous once she feels secure.”
They wrestle, chase each other, practice hunting skills, and have even made a new friend — another serval named Tigger.
Preparing for Life Back in the Wild
Because the fire damaged their tails — which servals rely on for balance — the rehab team is carefully monitoring their climbing and movement skills.
Before release, Phoenix and Isha must prove they can:
- Jump and climb confidently
- Hunt independently
- Navigate terrain safely
“Right now, the focus is on continued rehabilitation and helping them develop the strength and natural behaviors they’ll need in the wild,” Joubert explained.
Rising From the Ashes
Once burned, orphaned, and barely alive, Phoenix and Isha now have a real chance at returning to the wild where they belong.
From a devastated sugarcane field to a future full of hope — these two little servals are living proof that rescue, patience, and compassion can truly save lives. 🐆🔥✨