Help Nandi the Serval with his Veterinary Bills

Update 2/24/25

Nandi was released from hospitalization, quarantined at home for 30 days, and has been recovering with his family. We are sad to say that Nandi is now blind but so thankful that he is doing well otherwise. Nandi's veterinary bills have reached over $30,000 and we are still seeking any assistance supporting Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals 501(c)(3) Nonprofit.

DONATE THROUGH OUR WEBSITE LYONRANCH.ORG TO RECEIVE A TAX DEDUCTABLE RECEIPT FOR YOUR DONATION.

Nandi has fallen seriously ill and is currently at an emergency vet fighting for his life. He has received 7 blood transfusions so far and is due to receive more. They have also been keeping Nandi on supplemental oxygen for three days.

“Nandi” is a 9 year old gorgeous serval (think mini cheetah) and ambassador animal at Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals 501(c)(3). Nandi has visited hospitals, memory care facilities, schools, social events, and animal conservation programs- helping to represent his species and share a piece of the natural world with people of all ages. As our vet says, "[Nandi] is a big kitty, 40 pounds with big kitty teeth, but all who know him, know he is a big mushy love bug." Nandi has been on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Conan.

Nandi has severe respiratory almost covid like pneumonia and profound anemia all of unknown origin. He was hospitalized on December 6th, almost unable to breathe or move, despite having already received antibiotics and fluids in the days prior. The team at Sonoma Veterinary Clinic worked hard to stabilize Nandi before transferring him to the only Veterinary ER that agreed to take Nandi on. Dr. Howard Rosner contacted multiple specialists including one from South Africa in an attempt to locate further assistance for Nandi. Even UC Davis would not accept Nandi as a patient stating that they were not equipped for a serval.

Nandi has had several transfusions from domestic cats, but was able to receive a blood transfusion from his serval brother (Taitu of Classroom Safari) on December 8th with the help of Sonoma Veterinary Clinic. The clinic staff even came in on their day off to help get Nandi more blood.

Lynette Lyon (CEO, Lyon Ranch) and Rebecca Kopel (Biologist & Rescue Director, Lyon Ranch) were able to visit with Nandi on December 8th and managed to convince Nandi to eat for the first time in a week. Turns out Nandi loves ground turkey, especially when it's hand-fed to him. Nandi was even feeling well enough to give his famous headbutts to his visiting family members.

Lyon Ranch is a nonprofit animal sanctuary and has created a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of Nandi's vet bills. While the current goal is $25,000 the Lyon Ranch team is beyond grateful for a donation as small as $1. If you are unable to donate then please do what you can to spread the word that Nandi needs help. Thank you so much from the team at Lyon Ranch.

Questions about how to help Nandi can be directed to Kellen McCallister (Program Director, Lyon Ranch)