Four pangolins in 4 days

The pangolins all require intensive daily treatment. Traffickers injure most of the injured pangolins treated at Provet in the illicit wildlife trade. On their Facebook page, Provet stated that the trafficking season has started, “and that the illegal trafficking of these poor creatures is a huge problem.” Through collaborative efforts across the globe, they are trying to combat the scourge of pangolin trafficking. Here at Provet, each and every animal receives the best care and the most expert level of veterinary treatment.

Also read: Suspected pangolin dealer nabbed in Gravelotte

These animals don’t have owners and we are subsequently under huge pressure to cover the costs of treatment. We rely solely on donations and sponsors. Please share and contact us at provetwildlifeservices@gmail.com if you are interested in making a donation,” Provet posted on their Facebook page. Treating a pangolin is said to cost R15 000 per week for medical costs, this excludes consultation costs, and installing tracking devices can cost R30 000.

This is why Helen Cary, a resident of Hoedspruit started baking cupcakes to help raise funds in treating the pangolins. Cary recently created a Backa-Buddy fundraising page to get donations from people outside Hoedspruit. “Cupcakes for Pangolins was started in November 2022 after seeing the number of pangolins that were poached and the horrific conditions they found in when rescued. Dr. Debbie English at Provet Wildlife veterinary hospital in Hoedspruit has been instrumental in treating these poor animals, but the costs are exorbitant.

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“Cupcakes for Pangolins decided to raise money by selling cupcakes and muffins in the local community. This has been extremely successful. Unfortunately, it is nowhere near enough money that is needed. There are organisations that help with donations, but this takes a lot of time and paperwork. In the meanwhile, the pangolins keep coming in and costs keep rising,” said Cary. She said that recently an extremely traumatised pangolin with six broken ribs and a broken tail was received. “The recovery for this innocent animal will take months. Once they have been treated by Provet they go to a rehabilitation centre where they are prepared for full release.

Before they are released the pangolins are fitted with two tracking devices which costs about R30 000. We are appealing to everyone to please donate funds, big or small, to help these highly endangered animals. All monies raised go directly into helping the pangolins. We thank you for anything you can do to help these beautiful, innocent, and amazing animals,” she added. Scales Pangolin Rescue Fund founded by Amy Aucamp-Clark is also helping in raising funds for the pangolins by hosting events at Scales Sports Arena in Hoedspruit. To support the Scales Pangolin Rescue Fund to rehabilitate and treat pangolins contact Aucamp-Clark on 078 993 5678. Alternatively, donate to the Cupcakes for Pangolins at www. backabuddy.co.za.