The Pangolarium is set to be a safe space for pangolins removed from the illegal wildlife trade in the Limpopo province; here, the species will be rehabilitated and released into a secured reserve.
Limpopo, South Africa (11 March 2025) – The African Pangolin Working Group now has its very own pangolin veterinary and rehabilitation facility known as The Pangolarium. Nestled away from prying eyes, the facility is surrounded by some of Limpopo’s most beautiful wild spaces.
The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) proudly announced the opening of its very own state-of-the-art pangolin veterinary and rehabilitation facility on World Pangolin Day – February 15th, 2025.
The APWG sees this accomplishment as a significant milestone in the conservation efforts for Temminck’s pangolin in South Africa, joining a select few organisations that work solely with the most illegally traded non-human mammal on the planet. It takes every effort to save this fragile species, and we thank everyone who was involved in getting this facility off the ground.
The Pangolarium (meaning a “place for pangolins”) is a purpose-built facility that aims to enhance the rescue, veterinary high care, rehabilitation, and reintroduction processes for pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade on the west side of Limpopo Province.
The facility is equipped with advanced medical and husbandry resources; the centre provides a facility where this vulnerable species can recover and prepare for a return to their natural habitat. It will also serve as a base camp for the APWG’s ongoing research and education initiatives.
The APWG is dedicated to the conservation of all African pangolin species through research, law enforcement collaboration, and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of pangolins back into the wild. Founded in 2011, the organisation strives to combat the illegal wildlife trade and ensure a future for pangolins.
The Pangolin is made up of eight species (four in Africa and four in Asia) varying from vulnerable to endangered on the IUCN Red List, and with all populations decreasing, which is heartbreaking considering they have been residents on earth for 85 million years.
The APWG invites the global community to join in supporting their pangolin conservation efforts. For more information on how to contribute or get involved, please visit their website: www.africanpangolin.org.
For those looking for some extra good news to enjoy, Pangolins are getting their “My Octopus Teacher” moment thanks to a new documentary airing on Netflix in April. South Africans are united in making sure this precious species is protected, and we love seeing all the good things happening right here in South Africa.
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