Rescued pangolin safely returned to the wild

Date: 21 July 2016 By: Isabel Venter

The Louis Trichardt Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) made a unique rescue this past weekend.

Their dedicated inspector, Mr Lawrence Khodobo, was contacted by a farmer of the Elim district about a funny scaled animal that he could not identify and he was at a loss to find it a proper sanctuary. When Khodobo arrived on the farm, he identified the animal as a pangolin. Pangolins are extremely rare, and worth more than a rhino on the black market. 

Khodobo explained that workers on the farm came across the pangolin while working in the veld. The pangolin was brought to the safety of the SPCA’s pound, until a proper place of safety could be organised for it.

On Sunday, the pangolin was released back into the wild on a nature reserve, safe and sound where he belongs. “Thank you to all who assisted with the rescue and safe release of this extremely special creature,” said the SPCA.

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Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

More photos... 

The shy pangolin that was rescued by the Louis Trichardt SPCA and released back into the wild. Photo: Facebook.

The shy pangolin that was rescued by the Louis Trichardt SPCA and released back into the wild. Photo: Facebook.

The shy pangolin that was rescued by the Louis Trichardt SPCA and released back into the wild. Photo: Facebook.