HOEDSPRUIT – A pangolin rescued from the illegal wildlife trade after at least three weeks in horrific captivity is making encouraging progress in rehabilitation, following an operation that also led to the arrest of two suspects.

Rambo, a large adult male pangolin, was rescued by the Limpopo Pangolin Collective after a challenging operation involving multiple trips and a 900km journey.

The initial rescue attempt failed when the suspected captors did not arrive. However, the team persisted, and a second trip just days later resulted in Rambo being brought to safety. The suspects initially evaded arrest but were tracked down about two weeks later. Both are in custody awaiting the outcome of legal proceedings.

Amy Aucamp-Clark of the Scales Conservation Fund said the rescue was far from straightforward, but the team remained determined to secure Rambo’s safety.

Weeks of suffering

He had reportedly been kept in a chicken-wire cage, tightly bound to prevent him from curling up, and deprived of food and water. In attempts to escape, he injured his front feet and lost an entire claw.

When rescued, Rambo was severely underweight and dehydrated, covered in wounds and suffering from respiratory difficulties.

Recovery continues

His recovery required intensive veterinary care, including almost a week of treatment and tube feeding. Once stable, he began supervised foraging walks but struggled to feed independently. He only managed to eat on his own during his 11th walk, marking a major milestone in his recovery.

Since then, Rambo has gained more than 2kg and progressed from intensive care to rehabilitation. His recovery, however, remains ongoing. The rescue and rehabilitation involved the Limpopo Pangolin Collective, Hoedspruit Animal Hospital–ProVet, Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre, Scales Pangolin Rescue Fund, the police and the Musina Endangered Species Unit.

For security reasons, all rescued pangolins are housed and treated at undisclosed secure locations.