Scaly Survivors: Pangolins Reclaimed from Illegal Trade

Pangolins, recognized as the world's most trafficked wild mammals, are increasingly being saved through dedicated rescue and rehabilitation programs. Specialist veterinarian Kelsey Skinner meticulously cared for a three-month-old Temminck's pangolin pup named Stevie, who was rescued from the illegal trade in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2021.

After six months of specialized care, including learning to forage naturally, Stevie was successfully released back into the wild in 2022. This rehabilitation is part of a broader initiative in African countries to return trafficked pangolins to their natural habitats, a vital process for the survival of these scaly mammals.

Efforts by organizations like the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) have led to the release of 85 pangolins since 2016. The APWG established a specialized rehabilitation facility, the Pangalorium, in South Africa's Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in February 2025, enhancing care and research for rescued pangolins.

Success stories, such as Ditsi, a pangolin rescued in 2021 who later became a mother, highlight the effectiveness of these conservation strategies. These successes underscore the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing across pangolin range states to combat trafficking and prevent extinction.