Passing of Ali, serval cat at the Riverview Park and Zoo

Peterborough, ON – It is with sadness that the Riverview Park and Zoo announces the passing of Ali, a serval cat.  

Ali arrived at Riverview Park and Zoo in 2010 as a donation from the Toronto Zoo, quickly catching the attention of guests with her unique markings and personality. In 2020 she lost her right front leg after breaking it in a fall, but that didn't slow her down. Ali quickly adapted to the three-legged life and remained a favourite of Zoo staff and visitors of all ages.  

She spent much of her life living with the Zoo's two other serval cats, Friday and Kabala. After the passing of Friday and Kabala, Ali spent the remainder of her life living with Torty, the Zoo's African spurred tortoise.  

In the wild, servals are known to live between 10 and 12 years and can exceed 20 years of age in captivity. Ali was just shy of her 23rd birthday when she passed.  

Ali will be missed by visitors, staff and her caregivers at the Riverview Park and Zoo.  

About Riverview Park and Zoo 

Riverview Park and Zoo, located in Peterborough, Ontario, is owned and operated by the City of Peterborough. It is Canada’s only free-admission zoo accredited by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), meeting national standards for animal care and welfare, conservation, education and safety. The Zoo is supported through the City’s water service fees, along with essential donations, sponsorships and community fundraising initiatives. Open year-round, Riverview Park and Zoo spans 55 acres and is home to over 40 species across more than 20 animal habitats, offering educational and recreational opportunities and supporting wildlife and environmental conservation.