A Temminck’s Ground pangolin has been rescued from animal traffickers and is being treated here in Johannesburg but she is fighting for her life…
This story is one that is bittersweet, on one hand this baby pangolin has been saved from the animal trafficking trade but on the other, she is so critically ill, she and every veterinarian on hand, are fighting for her life.
She was found hidden in a box starving to death. The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital took her in immediately and started treating her. The Johannesburg Wildlife Vet treats indigenous wildlife free of charge, relying solely on the support of the community.
Dr Carter and Sr Serfontein from the Fourways Vet Hospital have also offered their expertise towards saving this very important life. According to WildAid, Pangolins are the most trafficked animal in the world.
“Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammal in the world. When threatened, they roll up into a little ball, making them extremely vulnerable to poachers. They’re so rampantly poached that all eight species are on the brink of extinction. That’s why we need everyone to speak up and refuse any products containing pangolin.” – WildAid
The wildlife vet has been amazing at keeping the public updated on her progress through surgery. They originally posted that she was fighting for her life but due to being starved for an extended period her health was highly compromised.
“We are doing everything we can to try and save her. Thanks to Dr Carter and Sr Serfontein at Fourways Vet Hospital for helping us with another world first for pangolins – placing a gastric peg tube. This goes directly into her stomach, which assists us in feeding her easily while we focus on monitoring and improving her condition.”
The vet is treating the pangolin free of charge so if you would like to get involved, you can find more information here.
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