Simon the Pangolin was rescued in a sting operation geared at catching the bad guys; while the poachers got away, Simon was lucky and is now back in the wild.
Undisclosed Location, South Africa (04 May 2023) – Another pangolin has been rescued from the greedy clutches of a poacher. This young male has been named Simon and is doing much better thanks to the intervention of the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital team.
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.
Simon arrived after a Sting Operation was done to catch a poacher. Sadly the poacher got away but Simon was rescued and taken to the specialised pangolin hospital.
“As per our usual protocol, he was sedated and blood work done. He is rather underweight for his frame, and this may indicate that he had been without food for some time. Initially, in an effort to reintroduce food to his system, we tube fed him with Virbac Nutribound. He has been walked daily for hours at a time (Temmick’s pangolins do not eat in captivity), and he is gaining weight and becoming healthier every day. We are so excited for him to be going to his safe release site soon.
We are always SO thankful, and we cannot share our gratitude for the dedication shared by everyone who is involved in pangolin conservation – from the retrieval, to the daily foraging walks, we appreciate you all immensely!”
Every pangolin saved is a win for South Africa. If you would like to contribute towards Simon and many more like him, you can find out how below. They treat indigenous wildlife free of charge so any donation is welcomed.
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There are several ways that people can help. JWVH 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
Or via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/joburgwildlifevet
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