Pikkewyn, a young pangolin rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, is alive today because of an extraordinary collaboration between law enforcement, conservation authorities, veterinarians and pilots, each stepping in at exactly the right moment.
Image not affiliated with Pikkewyn the Pangolin/flowcomm/Wikimedia Commons
It took a roadblock in the Karoo, a network of conservationists, and a race against time to save one of South Africa’s most threatened mammals, as told by Good Things Guy.
She was discovered by members of the South African Police Service during a routine stop outside Beaufort West. Weak, dehydrated and in critical condition, the animal was immediately recognised as needing urgent intervention. Pangolins rarely survive long once removed from the wild, and delays can be fatal.
From the roadside, Pikkewyn was transferred into the care of CapeNature before being flown to Johannesburg with logistical support from Airlink and the non-profit organisation Impact for Wildlife.
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Specialist care far from the wild
Although Johannesburg lies far from the remote landscapes pangolins typically inhabit, it is home to some of the country’s most advanced wildlife medical facilities. Pikkewyn is currently being treated by the expert team at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, which specialises in the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered species.
As part of her ongoing assessment, she was taken to Fourways Veterinary Hospital for a CT scan. The imaging allows veterinarians to evaluate internal injuries, organ function and overall health, providing crucial information that will guide her treatment plan.
“These scans help us understand the full extent of her condition so she has the best possible chance of recovery,” the hospital shared.
Why pangolins are important
Often unseen and seldom heard, pangolins play a vital role in South Africa’s ecosystems by controlling insect populations and aerating soil. Yet they are also the most illegally trafficked mammals in the world, targeted for their scales and meat.
Every successful rescue is therefore more than an individual victory. It represents a stand against a global wildlife crime network and a reminder of what coordinated action can achieve.
Pikkewyn remains in critical condition, but her survival so far is a testament to rapid response, specialist care and unwavering commitment from everyone involved.
Protecting those who protect wildlife
Due to the high value placed on pangolins by traffickers, the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital has emphasised that all pangolin patients are treated and housed at undisclosed locations. This secrecy is essential to protect both the animals and the people caring for them.
For now, Pikkewyn’s journey is one of cautious hope. Her future will depend on how her body responds to treatment, but thanks to teamwork across provinces and professions, she has been given something rare in the fight against wildlife crime: a fighting chance.
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