For the first time at the Wildlife Hospital at the Ramat Gan Safari, a female caracal—one of the rare wild cats in Israel—underwent a complex orthopedic procedure. The caracal was found suffering from an old fracture in her hind leg, and after a long and successful surgery, she was seen recovering well.
Seven-hour operation
The caracal made headlines after biting a soldier on an IDF base in southern Israel. About two weeks ago, she arrived at the Wildlife Hospital, limping. X-rays revealed the fracture had healed incorrectly, shortening the leg and causing significant pain. To ensure full recovery, a special team was assembled, led by veterinary surgeon Dr. Matan Or and anesthesiologist Dr. Daniel Leshchiver.
The surgery, which lasted about seven hours, involved rebreaking the bone, reshaping and repositioning it. The bone was fixed using specially designed durable plates and pins—suitable for a wild predator. The caracal received an epidural with a 12-hour effect to help her manage the pain. Fortunately, just a few hours after the operation, she was seen eating and responding positively.
Every individual matters for the species
The recovery period is expected to take 6 to 8 weeks, after which the team will assess whether she can be returned to the wild. Release will only be considered if she is able to leap and hunt birds on her own, as a wild predator must. With only a few dozen caracals remaining in Israel, each one is critical to the species’ survival. The medical team and wildlife officials are keeping their fingers crossed and promise updates.
As reported, the caracal was caught inside an IDF base in southern Israel, following reports that she had bitten soldiers. A ranger from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority arrived on site, managed to trap the animal, and transferred her to the wildlife hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The caracal – a wild feline predator
The caracal is a predator from the feline family, found across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In Israel, it is mostly seen in the southern desert regions like the Negev and Arava, but also appears in the Galilee and Golan. It is a medium-sized wildcat with reddish-brown fur, pointed black ears with long tufts, and is known for its powerful jumping ability, which helps it catch high-flying prey like birds.
