In the spirit of Mandela Day, heroes from two cities worked together to save the life of Percival, a pangolin rescued during a sting operation.
Johannesburg, South Africa (20 July 2026) – On Saturday, a pangolin named Percival’s future hung in the balance after he was recovered during a sting operation by the Malmesbury Stock Theft Unit.
CapeNature Environmental Management Inspector Asgar Vahed, who had the day off, jumped to answer the call without hesitation.
“Despite being on leave, he immediately put aside his own plans and sprang into action.” shared the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital.
Guided by the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital team, Vahed spent his Saturday searching for a veterinarian who’d be willing to assist with emergency care to stabilise Percival.
“He did everything possible to keep the frightened little pangolin comfortable while searching…” the veterinary hospital shared.
Eventually, he found Dr Lynne Klug, who had not in a million years expected a pangolin to arrive at her Malmesbury practice.
“Yet, without hesitation, she accepted the challenge. Working hand-in-hand with the JWVH veterinary team, she provided the emergency treatment that gave Percival a chance to keep fighting.”
Rescue efforts carried on well into, and throughout, the night. By morning, it was clear that Percival required specialised care, and time was running out. The next step of the journey would require getting him all the way to Johannesburg.
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This all took place on Mandela Day, and the Sunday after. Over a weekend, teams across Cape Town and Johannesburg all chose to do whatever they could to help the chances of one small pangolin’s survival. It was the most incredible embodiment of Madiba’s message. Kindness and compassion always come first.
“Nelson Mandela believed that our humanity is reflected in how we treat one another, but his compassion also extended to the natural world. He understood that protecting our environment and the remarkable creatures with whom we share it is part of building a kinder, more just society. Yesterday was a powerful reminder of that legacy.” the veterinary hospital shared.
“A law enforcement officer gave up his leave. A veterinarian embraced an unexpected challenge. Long-awaited plans were abandoned. Pilots, airline staff, conservationists, wildlife veterinarians and countless others each contributed their time, expertise and compassion. None of them asked what they would gain. They simply asked, ‘What can I do to help?’”
That is what Mandela Day is all about. Quite frankly, in the world of wildlife conservation, every day is Mandela Day, thanks to the compassion of individuals who put the lives of vulnerable, endangered animals first.
“Changing the world is not always about doing something extraordinary. Sometimes it is about ordinary people choosing to care, stepping forward when it would be easier to step back, and working together to give hope where there was little.” shares the veterinary hospital.
Percival is now receiving the specialist care he requires for rehabilitation and hopefully – eventually – a safe release back into the wild where he belongs.
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