Lifeline for rescued pangolins in Joburg
THE Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH), with Investec’s support, and in commemoration of World Pangolin Day in February, has announced the first dedicated pangolin veterinary ward in Africa.
Pangolins are targeted for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine, and for bush meat markets.
“Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked non-human mammal. In 2019, 97 tonnes of scales were trafficked from Africa, which equates to roughly 160 000 pangolins,” said Nicci Wright, co-founder of the JWVH and wildlife rehabilitation specialist.
The hospital has established itself as a global leader in the field of pangolin veterinary treatment and rehabilitation by developing specialised treatment protocols for these animals.
The JWVH is at present the only facility mandated by the South African government to conduct longterm oversees the release and post-release monitoring of all pangolins discharged from the hospital.
“We provide treatment to all small and medium indigenous wildlife free of charge and, as such, rely solely on the support of our community and corporate sponsors, like Investec, to fund our hospital,” said Wright.
Through this support and expertise of co-founder and head vet Dr Karin Lourens and her team, the JWVH has raised its treatment, rehabilitation and release rate from 50% to 80%.
“Regarding the need for a dedicated pangolin ward, these shy, nocturnal creatures require a quiet, temperature-controlled environment to recuperate. Investec's commitment will create a separate, safe and calm space for them,” said Tanya dos Santos, global head of sustainability at Investec.
This new initiative broadens Investec’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of critically-endangered wildlife. The financial services provider champions this through its flagship projects to protect endangered rhino and wild dogs through the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s carnivore conservation programme, said Dos Santos.
South Africa has become a global hot spot for illegal wildlife trafficking.
“The financial support will also help to kit out the hospital with the latest equipment, including a theatre light, an oxygen generator, an examination table and an X-ray machine necessary to treat these critically endangered mammals and provide them with optimal care,” she said.
Pangolins will have a speciallydesigned ward with its own theatre offsite at an undisclosed location which will help to reduce the stress on these animals and improve their chances of recovery.