Another Pangolin has been rescued in a successful sting operation, this time in Silver Lakes Pretoria – He is recovering well but not out the woods yet.
Undisclosed Location, South Africa (15 April 2024) — Several sting operations have proven successful in cracking down on the illegal wildlife trade. Just last week, a pregnant pangolin was rescued, and now a second has been saved, thanks to diligent agencies working to catch criminals.
The pangolin was brought taken the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital’s secret Pangolin hospital thanks to the Cullinan STES unit, K9 Benoni, K9 Bronkhorstspruit, K9 Pretoria, Ekhurhuleni district CIG, GDARD and Transfrontier Africa. According to the hospital, four suspects were arrested.
The team have since named him Sebastian and is hoping he makes a full recovery. Sebastian had a really tough time while in the hands of the illegal traders.
“Sebastian was kept in a closed bag for nearly three weeks, sitting in his own urine and feces. He was extremely dehydrated and weak when he came in and our team immediately started him on iv fluids. His blood tests were quite worrying and Dr K started him on our new feeding treatment protocol – liquid food specifically formulated for people with pancreatitis, malabsorption and malnutrition. Thankfully the treatment worked and Sebastian regained his strength and is now eating on his own. We supplement his daily foraging with EmerAidVet Carnivore too.
He is one of the sweetest and gentlest pangolins we have ever had and he shows genuine affection for his walkers.
He is not out of the woods yet, but so far he is making good progress.” – Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital.
Sebastian gets walked every day and once he is strong enough, he will make his way back to the wild.
In 2022, the veterinary hospital received a massive investment into the work they do. As a result, they opened the first-ever dedicated Pangolin Veterinary Ward with thanks to Investec at an undisclosed location.
The medical staff stresses the message that all pangolin patients are housed off-site at an undisclosed location to protect them and all the medical staff. Due to the animals being in high demand, they cannot risk anyone knowing where the animals are being treated.
Every pangolin saved is a win for South Africa. If you would like to contribute towards Sebastian and many more like him, you can find out how below. The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital treats indigenous wildlife free of charge so any donation is welcomed.
There are several ways that people can help. JWVH accepts donations here, or see their full wishlist here. An easy way to get involved is to also nominate them on your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet rewards card, which you can do so here. Or via direct bank transfer, see their banking details below.
Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account nr: 62658400264
Branch code: 255355
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
Or via SnapScan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/PXMP5766
Or via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/joburgwildlifevet
Or via PayFast: https://www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/shop.johannesburgwildlifevet.com
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