A former pangolin pup rescued from the clutches of wildlife traffickers has defied the odds and is thriving in the wild, heralded as a success story amid the ongoing conservation crisis facing his species. The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) shared the uplifting news about Stevie, who was saved during a police sting operation in South Africa in 2021, along with the announcement that the organisation has successfully facilitated the release of 85 pangolins back into their natural habitats since its inception in 2016.
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Stevie’s journey began when he was discovered starving and dehydrated, languishing in a cardboard box with a cabbage leaf placed on his head — an alarming indicator of neglect, as pangolins’ diets strictly consist of ants and termites. He was only three months old at the time, weighing merely 2.6 kg. After his rescue operation, which involved the collaboration of the South African Police Service and the APWG, he was taken to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital for immediate care.
Dr Kelsey Skinner, a pangolin specialist, took on the responsibility of nurturing Stevie back to health, despite having had no previous experience with such a young pangolin. Recalling their first meeting, she described feeling overwhelmed by the fragility of the small creature before her. “I did the admissions protocol, but inside was screaming,” she shared, recognising the critical nature of Stevie’s condition.
The rehabilitation process spanned over six months and required meticulous attention. Rescue teams engaged in bottle-feeding Stevie and took him on daily walks through natural environments in an effort to encourage foraging behaviours essential for his survival. Renowned filmmaker and photographer, Gareth Thomas, known for his work with pangolins, also contributed to Stevie’s rehabilitation by helping to acclimatise him to a natural landscape where he could practice seeking out food.
Eventually, the moment came when Stevie was ready for release. Dr Skinner and Thomas transported him to Manyoni Private Game Reserve, where he underwent a monitored soft release. Fortunately, he adapted to his environment swiftly, demonstrating an innate ability to locate food, much to the satisfaction of his caregivers. By this point, Stevie had grown considerably, nearly tripling his weight to approximately 9 kg.
As the APWG continued to monitor Stevie, excitement built around his newfound independence. Reports indicate that he is regularly visiting nearby burrows occupied by female pangolins, further suggesting that he has successfully integrated into wild life and is likely a father to multiple pups at this time.
The triumph of Stevie emphasises the critical work undertaken by conservation groups amid a harrowing reality for pangolins worldwide. These remarkable mammals are currently the most trafficked in the world, with estimates indicating that over a million were illegally traded between the years 2000 and 2016 alone. The APWG has hailed Stevie’s journey as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the profound impact dedicated conservation work can have.
In light of these developments, the commitment from organisations like the APWG plays a crucial role in combating illegal wildlife trade and protecting vulnerable species. Stevie’s story serves not only as a celebration of his resilience but as a call to action in safeguarding the future of pangolins for generations to come.
As the conservation community continues its efforts to address the crises facing these unique mammals, successes such as Stevie’s release inspire hope and reinforce the importance of ongoing, focused protective measures. The APWG’s milestone of releasing 85 pangolins into the wild marks a significant achievement in wildlife preservation, fostering optimism for the survival of these endangered creatures.