Hoedspruit’s rescued pangolin now thriving in the wild
After a gruelling two-year recovery at Scales Pangolin Rescue Fund, Nonna now lives wild and untracked, earning the nickname "chunky monkey" from the caregivers who saved her.
HOEDSPRUIT – For many people, a pangolin rescue may begin with a simple act of intervention, but for Nonna, it became a nearly two-year battle for survival that tested both her resilience and the dedication of the team caring for her.
Scales Pangolin Rescue Fund recently reflected on Nonna’s remarkable journey, remembering one of the most challenging and rewarding cases the rescue team has ever handled.
A little life worth saving
Nonna was admitted to the rescue centre in May 2021 after a community leader, who had received her as a gift, made the decision to hand her over to the authorities.
Although her condition on arrival was not among the worst the team had encountered, her rehabilitation would prove to be an extraordinarily difficult one.
Fighting for her life, again and again
According to Amy Aucamp-Clark of Scales Pangolin Rescue Fund, Nonna’s determination played a significant role in her survival.
“Nonna’s road to recovery was nothing short of miraculous. She faced complication after complication during her rehabilitation,” Aucamp-Clark said.
Nonna fought back from the brink of death three separate times, and there were several occasions when the team feared they would lose her.
Her survival was the result of both her own determination and the unwavering commitment of her caregivers, who provided intensive, round-the-clock care for almost two years as they nursed her back to health and prepared her for a possible return to the wild.
Finally, a chance to be wild again
By March 2023, Nonna was strong enough to begin the release process, marking the start of a new chapter in her story.
Since then, she has settled successfully into the wild, maintaining excellent body condition even through harsh winters, earning her the affectionate nickname “chunky monkey” from the rescue team.
Free, wild and thriving
Perhaps the clearest sign of her successful rehabilitation is that she no longer needs their intervention.
Today, she lives without tracking devices or routine health checks, enjoying the uninterrupted freedom of a wild pangolin.
“Her story is proof of just how much determination, both hers and the team’s, can achieve,” Aucamp-Clark said.
“We couldn’t be prouder of this incredible girl and everyone who fought alongside her.”
