The following story about a Temminck’s pangolin was submitted by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.
A scared and emaciated juvenile Temminck’s pangolin was retrieved from the illegal wildlife trade via a sting operation in Cullinan. It has taken some time to get this young female to a point where she could trust us after her horrific ordeal.
We initially had to supplement her foraging efforts by tube feeding EmerAid IC Carnivore, as she was so terrified that all she wanted to do was run away.
Her fear is slowly changing. She is finally beginning to forage well, and enjoying her time out where she feels safe to explore and dig for food once more. We have so much appreciation for our pangolin walkers, who have helped Pippa in her rehabilitation journey thus far.
Once she is at a suitable weight and status, she will enter a slow release process. The goal is to release her in a safe, constantly monitored environment, to be wild once more.
PLEASE NOTE: All pangolin patients are housed off site at our Investec undisclosed location for the protection of them as well as our staff.