Serval escapes sanctuary in Ontario

Oct. 26 (UPI) -- An African serval named Gizmo is on the loose in Ontario after escaping from an animal sanctuary.

The Ontario Provincial Police said officers and members of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services team were alerted to the feline's escape Wednesday in Bonnechere Valley Township.

Kim Rock, owner of Waddles 'n' Wags Zoological Haven in Eganville, said the serval, named Gizmo, escaped while being transferred to his winter enclosure.

"I don't know what spooked him," Rock told CBC News. "But something spooked him and he broke the crate."

Rock said the serval was surrendered to the sanctuary by a person who had attempted to train Gizmo as a pet.

Rock said Gizmo would be unlikely to pick fights with cats or dogs, but could pose a danger to chickens and small animals.

The Ministry of the Solicitor General said some animals have been removed from Waddles 'n' Wags following a compliance inspection. The animals are being cared for elsewhere, the ministry said.