Kito is a brave little pangolin who survived the odds of wildlife trafficking and is now fighting his way to recovery thanks to the incredible team keeping him safe, loved, and healed.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 June 2026) – Every day is different at Virginia SPCA, but these animal welfare warriors could never have anticipated being entrusted with the care of one of South Africa’s most precious wild animals.
That day arrived this week, when the SPCA was alerted to a young male pangolin, who would most likely have ended up in the illegal wildlife trade.
Following a successful sting operation by law enforcement officials in the Free State, four suspects were arrested. Virginia SPCA Senior Inspector Ernest Khakhau and Field Officer Mandela Phakira stood ready to receive this remarkable little survivor and bring him to safety.
“Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world and are often found in a severely compromised condition after enduring unimaginable suffering at the hands of criminal poachers.
“Today, we were humbled and deeply moved in the presence of this young, small, yet magnificent creature,” Virginia SPCA said.
The little guy was named Kito, meaning “Precious Jewel”, before being safely handed over to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH).
Kito arrived yesterday dehydrated, underweight, covered in wounds and bruises, and in desperate need of help.
“By the time he reached us, he was thin, dehydrated, and covered in wounds and bruises,” JWVH shared.
“As always, our team immediately began providing the specialist veterinary care that pangolins require.”
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Charity Golf Day Raises R600,000 for Table Mountain's Volunteer Heroes!Kito has now been settled into a heated room at a secure off-site location, where he is finally able to rest safely.
According to the veterinary team, the next few days will be critical for his recovery.
“But we are cautiously optimistic that with intensive care and monitoring, he will make a full recovery.”
Kito is the 214th pangolin patient to be treated by the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, and despite everything he has endured, he is still fighting. Please note that all pangolin patients are housed off-site at an undisclosed location.
A huge thank you goes to everyone involved in bringing Kito to safety, and especially to Virginia SPCA for rushing him to JWVH so that treatment could begin as quickly as possible.
Every rescued pangolin requires intensive specialist care, with treatment costs averaging approximately R2,500 per day. If you would like to help JWVH care for Kito during this critical stage of his recovery, please consider making a donation.
Sources: Linked Above
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