Hoedspruit pangolin inspires painting
Rescued pangolin Wilma’s remarkable recovery from the illegal wildlife trade is now celebrated in a painting by artist Storm Barkas.
LIMPOPO – The heartwarming story of Wilma the pangolin, a survivor of the illegal wildlife trade, has now been immortalised in a striking oil-on-canvas painting titled Sun Soaked by Hoedspruit wildlife artist Storm Barkas.
The artwork, currently on display at the Warren Cary Wildlife Gallery, is based on a cherished photograph taken by LOTTY H. Elopements. The image captures Wilma basking in the sun while grooming herself, a favourite moment of Amy Clark-Aucamp from the Scales Pangolin Rescue Fund, who played a key role in Wilma’s rehabilitation.
“Wilma came into our lives in April 2021,” said Clark-Aucamp. “She was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, weighing just 3.5kg. She was young and fragile, but luckily hadn’t been in captivity long, which gave her a strong chance at recovery.”
Over the next six months, Wilma’s progress was remarkable. By October 2021, she had gained 2kg, reaching 5.5kg. While young pangolins are typically released at 6kg, her strong development prompted an earlier soft release into a secure wildlife area.
“From the first day, she was foraging and feeding well,” Clark-Aucamp explained. “That’s a huge relief with pangolins, they can deteriorate quickly if they don’t adjust.”
After two months of guided territory walks with the rescue team, Wilma was deemed ready to live independently. By March 2022, she had gained another 2.5kg, bringing her up to 8kg, and even received visits from Riaan, a rehabilitated male pangolin released nearby.
“Two rescued pangolins thriving together, that’s the dream,” said Clark-Aucamp. “By August 2022, Wilma reached 11kg, and in February 2023, her tracking tags were removed, marking her return to true freedom.”
Reflecting on Wilma’s journey from a vulnerable 3.5kg rescue to a strong, wild 11kg pangolin, Clark-Aucamp described it as a celebration of what is possible through dedicated conservation.
“Storm’s painting captures Wilma’s spirit beautifully,” she added. “Pangolin rescue and rehabilitation is a team effort. We’re incredibly grateful to Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre, Provet Animal Hospital, the Limpopo Pangolin Collective, and our donors for making Wilma’s recovery possible.”
