The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital announced that a former pangolin patient is undergoing a soft release into the wild.
The hospital notes that these particular patients are treated at a secret location and not on-site, for their own protection.
The Temminicks pangolin, named Zuri, was brought into the hospital’s care after being rescued from the illegal wildlife trade last year.
Pangolins are the only mammals that have scales, which is what these animals are poached for. Their scales are made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails. Image: Sarah Kempen
‘The Gauteng Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (GDARD) confiscated the animal and arrested the perpetrators,’ wrote the hospital in a Facebook post.
The scaly mammal’s immune system was compromised and it was suffering from anaemia. The team worked quickly to give her a blood transfusion which was necessary to keep her alive.
‘It took two long months and very intensive care to nurse her back to health. Thankfully she made a full recovery and we are pleased to announce that she began her soft release process two weeks ago,’ continued the hospital.
Zuri has been fitted with a satellite and VHF telemetry unit and she will reside in a secure and private game reserve, under the watchful eye of the African Pangolin Working Group.
‘For the next few months, her weight and the successful acclimatisation to her new surroundings will be carefully monitored to ensure the success of her rehabilitation and release,’ concluded the hospital.
If you are in a position to make a donation to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, who treat their patients for free and are dependent on public contributions to sustain their work, you can do so on their website.
