Over a million views and counting! South Africans are fascinated by a rare wildlife sighting of a pangolin casually strolling through the veld on its two little leggies!
South Africa (26 October 2026) – The incredible sighting was captured on video and shared by Kalahari Genetics on Facebook, where it has gone viral!
“The Pangolin, known in Afrikaans as the Ietermagog, is one of Africa’s most elusive animals. Moving quietly through the veld, it plays an important role in the ecosystem by feeding on ants and termites, helping to keep their populations in balance,” Kalahari Genetics shared.
The clip has now been viewed more than 1.3 million times, with thousands amazed by the unusual way the little ‘walking pinecone’ moves through the world.
“First time to see this guy walking” commented Justin Kondwani.
“It is so rare, that I didn’t know it walks in two legs,” wrote Nguva Les Swangis.
“These animals are just incredible. Every time I see a video like this I first have to convince myself that it is not Ai-generated because they look so strange when they walk. What a incredible sighting!” said Marlies Haupt.
“Why is it walking in instalments,” joked Lyndha Madludlu Lebea.
The Temminck’s pangolin is one of South Africa’s most special (and most secretive) wild animals. Seeing one in the wild is a bucket-list moment for any wildlife lover. Sadly, pangolins are facing a heartbreaking battle. They are the most trafficked mammals on the planet and are classified as Vulnerable in South Africa.
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Soshanguve Animal Shelter Urgently Needs Your Help to Feed Vulnerable Rescue DogsThere are people working hard to change their story. Conservation heroes, including the team at the African Pangolin Working Group, rescue, rehabilitate and release pangolins back into safe habitats. Anti-poaching teams and K9 units are helping to break the chain of illegal wildlife trade. Even ordinary, everyday people are doing their bit to save the species through supporting local organisations working with pangolins.
Pangolins might even find themselves amongst the emojis, soon. Pangolin Africa has launched a worldwide campaign to create a pangolin emoji, with its official submission recently sent to the Unicode Consortium for review.
Every bit of attention helps shine a spotlight on one of Africa’s most magical animals!
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