A pangolin was rescued in the North West recently and when she arrived at the specialised pangolin hospital, they found out she was pregnant.
Undisclosed Location, South Africa (09 April 2024) – The DPCI Hawks facilitated the sting operation, which saw the rescue of a female pangolin in the North West; she was transported by North West Parks to the secret pangolin hospital managed by the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital team.
In 2022, 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 at an undisclosed location.
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.
The pangolin was treated immediately, and it was discovered that she was pregnant. They named her Spicy and once she was strong enough, they released her into her safe enclosure. She proved to be quite the spicy patient, showing the team she was a powerhouse and fierce mama-to-be.
“She arrived at our hospital, requiring immediate intervention, including iv fluids, and slowly beginning the process of reintroducing food to her after she had likely spent days without receiving food or water. During her initial medical examination, an abdominal ultrasound revealed that she was pregnant! The tiny pangolin foetus (16mm in diameter) had a normal heart rate and we were confident that the little one was going to be fine.
We named this young lady Spicy, as she showed her fierce attitude right from the beginning. She developed quite a reputation for her tail slashing – leaving many of the team with scars to prove it!
After a few days of round-the-clock care and hours of walking with our pangolin walkers each day, Spicy is now safely at her release site, where she can now be free in a protected reserve. Here she will be safeguarded, and we are confident that she will have a healthy pup and live a long and happy life.”
Every pangolin saved is a win for South Africa. If you would like to contribute towards Spicy and many more like her, you can find out how below. The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital treats indigenous wildlife free of charge so any donation is welcomed.
There are several ways that people can help. JWVH accepts 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
Or via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/joburgwildlifevet
Or via PayFast: https://www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/shop.johannesburgwildlifevet.com
Sources: JWVH
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