Temminck’s Pangolin Vs. Leopard

The following story about a pangolin was submitted by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.

A former patient, an adult male Temminck’s pangolin, has been readmitted to our facility. This time not for being poached, but because he had been attacked by a leopard. We suspect he was out feeding and was then grabbed by the leopard.

Artie was sedated to examine him properly. He had many small puncture wounds on his back legs and one deep, penetrating wound to his hock (ankle). The hock injury was likely from one of the leopard’s canines. Radiographs showed no fractures, and it seems like the bite missed all the vital structures.

He is healing well and is quite an active young man. Our ant population at the moment is rather scarce. Being mid-winter and a lack of rain are contributing factors. Because of this, we asked Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre to assist in the rest of his healing process. He has previously spent time at Umoya, and we are very grateful for their assistance.

In the interim, we supplemented his feeds with EmerAid IC Carnivore.

Once he makes a full recovery, he will be released once again. Hopefully, he will stay away from any large, angry “kitties” in the future.

PLEASE NOTE: All pangolin patients are housed off site at our Investec undisclosed location for the protection of them as well as our staff.