Two pangolins were recently rescued from the wildlife trade and taken to the specialised but top-secret hospital where they get the best care possible.
Undisclosed Location (21 December 2021) – The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH) 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.
That being said, they always share news about their latest patients and in November, they took in two Temminck’s Pangolins, rescued from the illegal trafficking trade.
“Near the beginning of November, we received TWO Temminck’s pangolin from the illegal wildlife trade. This was thanks to the combined efforts of African Pangolin Working Group, Vereeniging STES, Cullinan STES, Pretoria K9 and Tshwane Metro.
Upon arriving at our hospital, both pangolins were sedated in order for their condition to be assessed (conscious pangolins cannot be unrolled) and to enable us to place iv lines and administer emergency treatment. Each pangolin is also microchipped to maintain chain of custody for their court cases.
Both spent a few weeks in our care, with repeated bloodwork, CT scans (standard protocol for all pangolin in our care), and were slowly rehabilitated to a point where they were healthy enough to start their slow-release process. Each was fitted with both a VHF and a satellite tag to enable round-the-clock monitoring post-release.
The pangolins have entered a soft release programme, and for the next few months, their weight and behaviour will be carefully monitored to ensure their successful reintegration into the wild.
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We treat indigenous wildlife, free of charge, relying on the community for donations and support.”
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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