Kajima, a rescued Temminck’s pangolin, has undergone a ten-month rehabilitation journey with the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve Pangolin Project and the African Pangolin Working Group, preparing him for a triumphant return to the wild through a structured soft-release process.
South Africa (02 August 2023) – In a heartwarming tale of dedication and partnership, the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve Pangolin Project and the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) have given a second chance at life to this adorable Temminck’s pangolin. This precious creature, once a victim of trafficking, now finds solace in the embrace of a new home.
Meet Kajima, a young pangolin who was rescued in a daring operation near Pretoria when he was only a few months old, weighing a mere three kilograms. Thanks to the compassionate efforts of the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH), Kajima was assessed, stabilized, and underwent three months of both physical and psychological rehabilitation.
In December 2022, Kajima found his way to Lapalala, where he was entrusted to a dedicated handler from the APWG. For six and a half months, this caring guardian took Kajima on daily walks, allowing him to reconnect with his natural instincts while feasting on ants and termites. All the while, the handler prepared Kajima for the ultimate goal – a triumphant return to the wild.
Kajima’s journey is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration, with various organizations and individuals working hand in hand for ten months to rehabilitate, nurture, rewild, and finally release him back into his natural habitat.
Now, in the midst of his soft-release process, Kajima’s progress is nothing short of astounding. According to Gareth Thomas, the dedicated handler from APWG who keeps a close eye on the young pangolin,
“Kajima has been in his soft-release process for three weeks and is doing incredibly well, but he still has a long way to go!”
The key to Kajima’s successful reintegration lies in the rewilding process, a carefully orchestrated approach that ensures his smooth transition into the wild. For trafficked youngsters or hand-reared pangolins like Kajima, reaching an optimal weight of 6.5 kilograms is the golden ticket to self-sufficiency. At this weight, these remarkable creatures gain the size and strength needed to defend themselves against potential threats, paving the way for a confident and independent pangolin life.
But the journey to freedom is a gradual one. The soft release takes centre stage, lasting anywhere from two months to even longer, depending on each pangolin’s unique behaviour and requirements. Once deemed ready, Kajima will receive a lightweight tracking device, ensuring he can navigate his acclimatized environment with ease. It is then, at this crucial moment, that he will embrace his new life in the wild, where he will be closely monitored to ensure he thrives in his natural surroundings.
Kajima’s transformation from a rescued pangolin to a wild and thriving creature is a story of hope and compassion.
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve Pangolin Project and the African Pangolin Working Group, Kajima’s tale serves as a beacon of light for these endangered creatures. With their continued efforts, more pangolins can reclaim their rightful place in nature and inspire us all to protect these unique and gentle beings.
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