Save the Temminck's Pangolin in South Africa

Every pangolin that comes through our doors carries a unique story—a narrative shaped by the challenges of surviving in the wild and the trauma inflicted by human interference. Our team works tirelessly to offer each rescued animal the best chance of survival, but the sad reality is that not every rescue has a happy ending. Each loss is deeply felt by our dedicated team, but we believe it’s important to share these stories to provide a full picture of what we do, and why your support is so crucial.

Oliver’s Story: A Will to Fight

Oliver, a beautiful male pangolin, was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade at the end of August. He had been held captive by poachers for over two and a half weeks, trapped in a metal rubbish bin filled with human waste. By the time he arrived at Provet Animal Hospital, he was battling multiple severe health issues, including pneumonia, dehydration, emaciation, hypoglycaemia, and pancreatitis. His feet were covered in wounds so severe that bones were exposed.

Yet, despite all this, Oliver still had the will to live. For three weeks, he received intensive care and showed signs of improvement, even eating well during his walks. But his body had endured too much. Organ failure, caused by the extended period of starvation and suffering, took its toll. We made the heart-wrenching decision to end his suffering and euthanize him.

While Oliver’s story didn’t end the way we all hoped, it’s important to remember he was given a second chance—a chance to feel compassion and care in his final days.

Renzo’s Journey to Recovery

Renzo, another pangolin saved from the illegal wildlife trade, weighs just 4.5 kg. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Limpopo Pangolin Collective, Provet Animal Hospital, and Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre, Renzo is on the path to recovery. With his small size and the cold winter season, he will be staying with us for an extended period to ensure he grows strong and healthy before he is released back into the wild where he belongs. 

Biscuit’s Strength and Trust

Biscuit’s story is one of perseverance and trust. He was poached at a young age and arrived in our care severely compromised and very sick. But Biscuit has an incredible fighting spirit. It amazes us how, even after everything he’s been through, he remains trusting. He’ll be staying with us over the winter to grow big and strong before his eventual release back into the wild.

Henry: A Tiny Fighter

Weighing just 3.7 kg, Henry likely would still be with his mother if not for poachers who found him foraging a short distance from her. When Henry arrived, he had wounds on his feet and nose and was severely dehydrated. Fortunately, he was rescued before further harm could be done. His great appetite for ants is a positive sign that he’ll double in size in no time, and we’re committed to caring for him until he’s ready for release.

Heartbreak and Hope: William’s and Nora’s Stories

William, rescued alongside his mother Nora, was progressing well in rehabilitation and showed promising signs of a bright future. After Nora’s successful release back into the wild, we had high hopes for William’s own journey to freedom. But shortly after his release process began, William experienced an unexpected setback. He was brought back for urgent medical care, where it was discovered he had a heart issue. Despite our best efforts, his condition rapidly deteriorated, and he sadly passed away.

While William’s story didn’t have the ending we’d hoped for, we find solace knowing he experienced love and care during his short life. Nora, on the other hand, continues to thrive in the wild, inspiring us daily with her strength and resilience.

Sera: Tragic loss of two lives

Sera, an adult female pangolin, was confiscated from the illegal trade. When she arrived, it was evident that she had survived a previous predator attack—her left front leg was missing, an old wound that had healed. Incredibly, despite this adversity, she had thrived in the wild and was pregnant when she came to us.

But the stress of being poached was too much for Sera and her unborn pup. She miscarried a few days after arriving and soon after went into organ failure. Despite all efforts, we were unable to save her. We are thankful that she didn’t die in the hands of the poachers, but we wish we could have done more.

The Importance of Sharing These Stories

These stories are not just about individual pangolins—they represent the harsh reality of what is happening to pangolins every day. By sharing these stories, we hope to raise awareness about the plight of these incredible creatures and inspire others to join us in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

Your support enables us to offer these pangolins a chance—a chance to heal, to be cared for, and, whenever possible, to be released back into the wild where they belong. We thank you for standing with us and for giving these animals a second chance.