PELHAM – The Pelham Police Department is asking for the public’s help to find a domesticated wild cat that was reported missing in the Chandalar area on April 24.

The PPD recently received a report of a missing African Serval, which is a wild cat native to Africa, according to the PPD. Owning this exotic breed is legal in the state of Alabama. The missing Serval, named Juno, is approximately eight months old, and according to its owner, is domesticated.

It weighs approximately 25 pounds. The breed weighs up to 40 pounds when full grown. It can run as fast as 45 mph.

The PPD has enlisted the help of both Pelham and Shelby County animal control and has consulted The Birmingham Zoo for its expertise. Devices were put out in an effort to capture the animal and bring it back home safely.

In addition, this PPD has dedicated several hours of manpower to the case. Several officers, including Chief Larry Palmer, have searched extensively on foot, in the area where the animal was last seen.

According to the PPD, there have been no reports of sightings since the animal was first reported missing. So far, the exhaustive efforts to find the animal have been unsuccessful.

“It is our hope that it will be returned home safely,” Palmer said. “That is why we are now reaching out to the public.”

Anyone who happens to see the Serval is asked to contact the Pelham Police Department immediately at 620-6550.