This article was written by the Johannesburg Wildlife Vets.
Please note: All pangolins in our care are housed and rehabilitated at a secure, undisclosed off-site location for their safety.
Remember Rocky? Our beautiful Temminck’s pangolin who arrived at Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital on 27 September, severely emaciated, critically ill and suffering from multiple deep, infected wounds hidden beneath his scales?
The little fighter who has been pulled back from the brink more times than we care to remember?
Well, LOOK AT HIM NOW!
Rocky is now foraging independently, investigating termite mounds and doing what pangolins do best! His wounds are almost completely healed, and although he still has a long road ahead, we are feeling increasingly optimistic about his recovery.
It has been an extraordinary journey. From dangerously low albumin levels and severe anaemia to CT scans, cardiac ultrasounds, blood transfusions, intensive wound care and nutritional support, Rocky has challenged us at almost every turn.
And he has taught us so much.
One of the most important things about working with a species as poorly understood as the pangolin is recognising that we never stop learning.
Every patient teaches us something new. Every challenge pushes us to question, investigate, adapt and improve our veterinary knowledge and treatment protocols. Our understanding of pangolin medicine has evolved enormously over the years, and Rocky is a beautiful example of why that process must never stop.
But this level of specialised care comes at a considerable cost.
Rocky has been with us for six weeks, at an estimated R2,500 per day for his veterinary treatment, specialised nutrition and rehabilitation.
And just last week, we admitted another TWO pangolins, both in very poor condition, each beginning their own difficult journey towards recovery.
Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital provides all this care completely free of charge, without government funding.
❤️ If Rocky’s story has touched your heart, please consider helping us continue this work.
Every donation, no matter how small, helps us provide specialised veterinary care and give critically ill and injured wildlife a fighting chance.
🐾 To support Rocky and the other wildlife patients in our care, please visit:
https://www.johannesburgwildlifevet.com/make-a-donation.html
You can choose whichever donation method works best for you.
Because behind every successful rehabilitation are countless hours of dedication, scientific learning, determination and people who refuse to give up.
Keep marching, Rocky! We are all rooting for you!