Scales raising funds to save pangolins

This will be their biggest online fundraising event ever and they only have three weeks to raise $5000 (R71 055,50) from at least 40 unique donors to qualify to become permanently listed as a GlobalGiving partner. They will be raising funds for their Pangolin Rescue Fund project.

“This is a huge goal in such a short period of time, but to become a GlobalGiving partner will open up so many new opportunities to raise funds for our all Scales Conservation Fund projects, so we have to try our best to reach this goal,” said Scales founder, Amy Aucamp-Clark.

She said they have decided to use this incredible opportunity to fundraise for the pangolin project due to the rate of poaching of African pangolin species. She also said the Temminck’s pangolin is on the rise and it is imperative that every life is saved to ensure the survival of this amazing yet shy species before it is too late. Aucamp-Clark told Herald that the Pangolin Rescue Fund initiative was created to ensure the survival of the Temminck’s ground pangolin in South Africa. Providing rehabilitation and post-release monitoring of pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

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“Most pangolins recovered from the illegal wildlife trade are in a very poor condition both physically and mentally. They are kept confined in either a bucket, box or bag and have not eaten or drank in days, sometimes weeks as their captors seek a buyer. “Some are even abused, kicked or thrown by their captures, causing trauma that requires additional treatment,” she said.

Aucamp-Clark said the fact that pangolins are not easily raised in captivity makes things harder. “There is no artificial food source they can eat without having to be sedated and tube-fed which is not ideal and is only done when absolutely necessary. So they must be walked daily to forage for food, for at least five hours a day. This makes pangolin rehabilitation a long and costly process, but it is imperative that every life is saved to ensure the survival of this amazing and shy species before it is too late,” she said.

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She said this project provides funding for safe and secure housing, professional veterinary care and dedicated staff that provide the best possible care to rescued pangolins throughout their rehabilitation process as well as post-release monitoring to ensure their safety and health after release in the wild.

“We are reaching out to the Hoedspruit community to be part of the movement committed to giving these amazing animals a second chance in life, by sharing our campaign page with your network and encouraging, friends, family and co-workers to share and support our cause in any way they can. “Crowdfunding is all about small contributions from many people, so the more people that know about it, the more chance we have of reaching our goal before the campaign ends at 15:00 on September 30,” she said.

To donate you need to scan the QR code or visit www.scales.org.za