The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital welcomed a lovely surprise after receiving a rescued Pangolin; unexpectedly while treating her, she gave birth.
Johannesburg, South Africa – The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital treats indigenous wildlife free of charge. This often means that when raids on animal poachers are done, the poaching victims are taken to the wildlife vet for treatment. The hospital team are experts in caring for small mammals such as the Pangolin.
They often share heartwarming stories as well as the heartbreaking ones about the rescues they receive. We have previously sobbed along with them after hearing of a young pangolin losing its battle after being poached.
Today, however, we can smile because they were blessed with a beautiful surprise.
“Yesterday our team were surprised when a pangolin patient gave birth to the newest patient under our care. Meet Mishwa – her name is derived from a Shona word meaning surprise.”
The staff are remaining hopefully cautious for Mishwa as she was possibly born prem so they will keep an eye on her.
“Mishwa, as she has been born in captivity and possibly prematurely too. Weighing 281grams of cuteness, we are hoping she grows up and lives in the wild like she ought to. Her chances at survival are highly guarded at this time, and the next few days are critical if she is to survive and be part of the future generation of pangolins.”
You can follow the hospital for updates on Mishwa.
Karin Lourens and the team at Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital have worked tirelessly at a secret location to try to save the Pangolins. All Temminck’s Ground Pangolins that are brought in to the hospital are kept offsite in undisclosed locations… for the Mammal & Vetrenerians safety!
“Being reclusive solitary animals, Temmincks ground pangolins (Smutsia temminckii) are placed under enormous stress when poached from their wild habitat to be sold in the illegal wildlife trade. In addition to stress, poached pangolins are often kept in terrible conditions, often involving efforts to disguise their unique smell in attempts to keep them hidden from authorities. They are often starved too, for days, as they only eat a specific diet while foraging. All this severely threatens their survival and enormous amounts of stress compromises their health. This can result in organs shutting down, meaning the poor pangolins untimely death.
In addition to this, should the pangolin be pregnant, this might result in the early birth of their baby. Premature births often don’t survive – thus adding future threat to our pangolin population – the future generation.”
This story highlights the tragic Pangolin trade but more so, the incredible South Africans who are fighting back and looking after the survivors.
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital do incredible work but are always in need of public assistance! The Vet treats indigenous animals free of charge and relies solely on the donations.
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.
As they treat indigenous wildlife free of charge, the vet relies on donations to keep treating cute little animals like Mishwa. If you would like to support the vet, you can donate via the options below:
Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account nr: 62658400264
Branch code: 255355
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
The wildlife vet is also a MySchool card beneficiary, so if you have space, you can select them to be one of your chosen three here. Or contact them via the Facebook Page.
by 