Wild cat tests positive for cocaine after being caught roaming the streets of the US
An African serval cat is in the care of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden after officials confirmed the animal tested positive for cocaine.
This cocaine-filled feline is giving the Cocaine Bear a run for his money.Perhaps a sequel?
People reported that in January, the African serval cat named Amiry fled his home in Oakland while his owner was being arrested.
— FOX19 NOW (@FOX19) March 7, 2023
Shortly after his escape, there were reports a ‘leopard-looking creature’ was lurking up in a tree.
Hamilton County Dog Wardens and Cincinnati Animal CARE responded to the calls and managed to get the big cat down.
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But they had their work cut out for them.
Ray Anderson with Cincinnati Animal CARE said the kitty, which weighs around 14.9 kg, was ‘not excited’ to be removed from the tree.
"We got called in to get the cat out of the tree," he told Fox 19.
He added: "[They weren't] sure what they were dealing with. Hindsight being 20/20, it probably would have involved a whole lot more people."
He continued: “In the process of getting the cat out of the tree... obviously, the cat didn’t want to get out of the tree... and our officers were working really hard to make sure they didn’t lose the cat in the process... Yeah, the leg was broken in the process.”
But once the animal was taken to Cincinnati Animal CARE's facility, a toxicology report revealed that the cat had tested positive for cocaine.
"Now, we can't say how the animal got the cocaine in the system. I don't know if it was environmental or experimental,” Anderson said.
According to the outlet, the Hamilton County Dog Warden launched an investigation and considered charges.
However, Anderson confirmed that everyone involved in the case was extremely ‘cooperative’, and ultimately, his owner wasn't charged despite it being illegal to own an African serval in Ohio.
The Cincinnati Zoo has since taken the cat in.
A zoo spokesperson issued a statement earlier this week: “The serval has been receiving veterinary care in our Animal Health Center since he was brought here. He’s doing well, and the next step will be for our Cat Ambassador Program team to work with him and determine if he’s a good fit to be an ambassador animal.
“He will likely be behind the scenes for a while.”
No more nose candy for you, kitty.
Charisa Bossinakis