Cranberry the Pangolin was recently rescued by a coalition of organisations that saved her from the illegal wildlife trade; now, she is on her way to recovery.
Undisclosed Location (25 April 2022) – The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH), in collaboration with several local organisations, rescued a pangolin named Cranberry. She is young, but if she can pick up enough weight, she will make a good recovery.
The wildlife hospital has become a leading expert in Pangolin medical treatment. However, with so many being found to have been trafficked, they have been forced to learn the best way to care for the fragile creatures.
The JWVH is currently the only facility mandated by the South African government to treat and rehabilitate pangolins confiscated in South Africa by the SAPS and conservation law enforcement officers on a long-term basis.
Earlier this year, 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.
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.
“As part of our normal protocol, we sedated Cranberry to take blood, give iv fluids for severe dehydration and treat her for shock. Part of this protocol involves a CT scan once the pangolin is stable enough. Currently she weighs just over 4kgs, meaning she is still a juvenile. She will need to gain a significant amount of weight before a slow release process can be considered (>6.5kg is a good release weight). So far she is doing well despite her harrowing poaching ordeal and we are cautiously optimistic that she too will one day be a wild and free pangolin again.”
There were several parties involved in saving Cranberry. These include the African Pangolin Working Group, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Green Scorpions), South African Police Service (particularly the Cullinan Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Tshwane K9 unit and Benoni K9 unit).
The wildlife vet treats indigenous animals for free, relying solely on donations and support from individuals and businesses. They have several ways that people can help. They accept 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
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