FEEL GOOD | Poached pangolin rescued after 4 days without food or water

A 9kg female Temminck’s ground pangolin named Lotti is recovering after being rescued from poachers following at least four days in captivity without food or water.

According to the Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre, Lotti was among two pangolins rescued during a confiscation last Tuesday.

Two suspects were arrested during the operation.

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Lotti had allegedly been held captive for at least four days before she was rescued.

The wildlife centre said she spent the time trapped, frightened and desperately trying to escape, without access to food or water.

Rescued just in time

Lotti was taken for emergency treatment following her rescue and spent a night in intensive care before being transferred into the wildlife centre’s care.

She was dehydrated and had lost weight but, fortunately, had no serious wounds or injuries.

The wildlife centre said Lotti’s recovery and rehabilitation will now focus on getting her strong and healthy enough to return to the wild.

When she is ready, she will be released and carefully monitored to ensure she adapts and thrives in her natural environment.

Pangolins kept at secure location

The centre stressed that all its pangolins are housed offsite at a secure and undisclosed location for the safety of both the animals and the people caring for them.

The centre thanked everyone involved in Lotti’s rescue and for giving her a second chance at life in the wild.

However, Lotti’s story is only part of the rescue operation.

The wildlife centre revealed that she was not the only pangolin rescued that day, with another animal also taken into care.

Further updates on the second pangolin are expected as its rehabilitation progresses.

Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, with their scales and meat making them targets of illegal wildlife trafficking.