At first it seemed like one of those reports destined to turn into a neighborhood legend. A large feline with a golden coat, agile and spotted, seen wandering around the streets and green areas of the Milan hinterland. And yet it was all true. Between Arese and Garbagnate Milanese, an African serval (or African leopard) has actually appeared, a wild animal originating from central-southern Africa that has nothing to do with the parks of Lombardy. The first calls to the authorities arrived on April 30 from Arese. Some residents had reported seeing a “big yellow cat” moving near their homes. An unusual story, almost difficult to take seriously. But two days later the situation took on much more concrete contours when the feline was spotted again in the Garbatella Park in Garbagnate Milanese.
The intervention of the forestry police in the public park
In the late afternoon of May 2nd, the intervention of the Carabinieri Forestry Unit of Garbagnate Milanese began, supported by the Provincial Police of the Metropolitan City of Milan and the veterinary services. First the area was made safe, then the operators located the feline among the vegetation of the park. At that point the Serval was drugged and recovered without incident. The animal was transferred to a veterinary clinic for health checks and veterinarians immediately confirmed the species: it is a Leptailurus serval, commonly known as the African ocelot. An elegant and slender feline, recognizable by its long legs, large ears and spotted coat that resembles that of a small cheetah.
Because the case has become so delicate
The affair has opened up a very serious problem. In fact, the serval is one of the species considered potentially dangerous and Italian legislation prohibits private individuals from keeping wild animals of this type, even if born in captivity. The risk concerns both public safety and the balance of local biodiversity. After the medical examinations, the feline was transferred to a zoo outside the region, deemed suitable to host him where unfortunately for the moment he will continue his life in captivity. Meanwhile, investigations continue to understand where the animal came from and above all how it managed to end up free among the paths of a public park frequented by families and children.
The investigations and heavy sanctions provided by law
The forestry police are now trying to identify the person responsible for the servile’s detention. According to the legislation introduced in 2022, those who illegally possess wild animals considered dangerous risk very serious consequences. The penalties can in fact reach up to 150 thousand euros, in addition to the definitive confiscation of the animal. An epilogue that transforms what initially seemed almost a surreal sighting into a decidedly concrete judicial and environmental affair. And in the meantime, between Arese and Garbagnate, the amazement of those who found themselves faced with not a simple stray cat, but an authentic African predator that suddenly appeared in the heart of the Milanese area remains.
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