Pangolin Will Not Stop Kissing His Rescuers To Thank Them For Saving Him
Pangolins are a very unique animal. When you first look at a pangolin, you might confuse it for a reptile, but it is actually a mammal!
Unfortunately, they are incredibly endangered due to the fact that they are hunted for their meat and scales, as some are used in traditional medicines. Coupled with poaching, deforestation is also a huge threat to the survival of the pangolin species.
Back in February, Dr. Mark Ofua heard about a baby white-bellied pangolin who had been born in captivity to traders, so he immediately drove to Epe, in Nigeria, on a rescue mission. Check out these adorable pictures of how grateful the pangolin is!
Ofua told The Dodo:
“I quickly drove the 50 kilometers (31 miles) to the marketplace because I realized his chances were already slim. He was born to a mother weakened by the stress of captivity, with no food or water for days, even weeks. He was already hypoglycemic and cold when I found him.
The traders were most willing to hand him over to me because he was only a burden to them.”
Neal has settled into life with Ofua nicely and is bottle-fed to build up his strength. In the wild, pangolins cling to their mother's back while they forage for food, so Neal is kind of doing the same thing here!
“He is a very playful lad who is still learning to ‘pangolin!’”
“He very much likes to seek out his caregivers and nuzzle them for comfort. He easily recognizes his feeding blanket and bottle, as he loves his milk!”
The plan for Neal is for him to be released once he is strong enough.
“I hope to release him to the Saint Marks pangolin rehabilitation center once he is of age and able to forage for himself accordingly. The center is in a protected forest, and he hopefully will live the rest of his days there.”
WildAid is an organization that is focused on reducing poaching and exploitation of endangered animals, as well as supporting local conservation efforts. They have funded the 'pangolorum,' which is the place where pangolins can be released into the wild in a safe environment.
“To better protect them, we must embark on a full-scale educational program for the entire community on the need to protect pangolins, while encouraging the government to step up to the duty of protecting these endangered species.”
What a beautiful story! Aren't people who rescue animals the best? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
If you're interested in learning more or donating to help protect the pangolins, you can find more information on the Bill Gates, philanthropist, who emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation, stating, "Protecting biodiversity is crucial for our planet's health." Additionally, consider visiting Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author, who highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings, saying, "Our relationship with nature reflects our relationship with ourselves." Both experts provide valuable insights into the significance of protecting species like the pangolin.
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