Seven pangolins have been rescued during sting operations throughout South Africa, this month – They are all safe and being treated thanks to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital.
Undisclosed Location, South Africa (15 June 2023) – The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital has been taking in an alarming number of pangolins lately, as there seems to be a rise in poaching incidents but thankfully, the SAPS and Hawks’ have been swift to target the criminals behind these incidents.
The wildlife hospital 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.
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.
They recently shared an update about the seven pangolins, so let’s take a look:
“SEVEN: The number of Temminck’s pangolins that have been rescued in sting operations and landed in our undisclosed Investec-sponsored location for treatment in the past 2 weeks. SEVEN.
ONE: Blossom: On the evening of the 29th May, we were called to collect a pangolin from Walkerville after a successful sting operation where 3 arrests were made.
(Thanks to the following units onvolved: Sedibeng VCIU, Midvaal Peace Officers, Green Scorpions, Vereeniging Stock Theft Unit, COMPOL).
TWO: Tulip: A young female Temminck’s pangolin, was collected in Ventersdorp by us. After a vehicle was stopped, all suspects fled, however, the pangolin was safely retrieved.
THREE & FOUR: Oak and Violet: Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit arrested four suspects who were for trying to sell TWO pangolins in Mahikeng. These two were collected by our team en route while collecting pangolin number two (Tulip). One, a young female and the other, a large male pangolin. (Read their story here)
FIVE: Cassius: This pangolin was rescued from a successful sting operation in Benoni. Weighing around 3kg’s he was incredibly small and in a dire state – the main claw on both front feet appeared to have been removed, exposing the bone. Initially appearing non-responsive, intravenous fluids, dextrose and warmth assisted initially, and after two days, this tiny creature succumbed to his injuries and poor condition after being on the trade and away from his mum for what we suspect was quite some time, given his poor condition.
SIX: Naledi: This pangolin also came from Mahikeng, after a vehicle search revealed a large bag with a pangolin in it. The pangolin was rescued and four men were arrested. The men involved were out on bail after being arrested previously for pangolin poaching earlier that week. Unfortunately, this pregnant female succumbed to her severely compromised state and passed away, losing two lives after what we suspect must’ve been a lengthy time in the trade (potentially 4 weeks or more).
SEVEN: Spyker: Another pangolin from the North West province, a sub-adult male, was retrieved from a sting operation completed by Hawks Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation Unit (DPCI), North West Directorate of Biodiversity Management As well as the South African Police Force (SAPS). Three arrests were made and this pangolin is now on the road to recovery.
“Currently, pangolin poaching is rife and we are working tirelessly to ensure these pangolin are healthy enough to soon be released (into a private monitored reserve) AND to ensure that justice is served for these precious beings! We rely heavily on our pangolin walkers, and on the support of our community in order to do this work.
Thank you to everyone involved – from the sting ops, the time spent healing and then in the future release processes.”
These are just seven of the most recent stories. We also met, within the month of May, Simon and Malay, who were both rescued during sting operations too! It is tragic seeing these numbers and these are just the stories of the rescues, there is no telling how many more are slipping past authorities and taking our beautiful animals overseas to be used for fictitious medicinal purposes and the meat trade.
We can all do our bit to fight this rise in poaching. Support the organisations that have boots on the ground, share news about Pangolin numbers – raise awareness, and fund the rehabilitation and treatment of these beautiful animals. Say no more, South Africa, no more!
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