Meet Kito: Johannesburg hospital’s 214th rescued pangolin
Veterinarians are optimistic about a pangolin’s recovery after he arrived thin, dehydrated and covered in wounds.
A young male pangolin named Kito, meaning ‘precious jewel’, was saved from suspected wildlife traffickers yesterday (June 4) after they allegedly tried to sell him for R80 000 in the Free State.
The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, says members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit received information about suspects allegedly selling a pangolin.
Caught red-handed
“The information was operationalised. Four suspects driving in a blue Toyota Quest were caught red-handed trying to sell one pangolin for R80 000. They were immediately placed under arrest and the pangolin [was] handed over to authorities for safekeeping,” he says.
The suspects, aged between 47 and 62, were arrested and charged with contravening the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 and the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
They were due to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court today (June 5).
Kito was handed over to Virginia SPCA senior inspector Ernest Khakhau and field officer Mandela Phakira for safekeeping and treatment at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital.
Thin and dehydrated
Kito is the 214th trafficked pangolin to be treated at the hospital.
Dr Karin Lourens says when he arrived at the hospital, he was thin, dehydrated and covered in wounds and bruises.
Lourens adds that he was given specialist veterinary care and that Kito is now recovering in a heated room at a secure off-site location.
“The next few days will be critical for his recovery, but we are cautiously optimistic that with intensive care and monitoring, he will make a full recovery. This incident is a sobering reminder that the illegal wildlife trade continues to threaten these remarkable animals,” she says.
Still fighting
In a Facebook post, the Virginia SPCA said pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world.
“They are often found in a severely compromised condition after enduring unimaginable suffering at the hands of criminal poachers,” explained the SPCA.
The organisation thanked the authorities involved in the successful operation.
“Every day is different at Virginia SPCA, but never did we imagine that one day we would be entrusted with the care of one of South Africa’s most precious wild animals. Today, we were humbled and deeply moved to be in the presence of this young, small, yet magnificent creature. We named him Kito, meaning ‘Precious Jewel’.”
“Despite everything he has endured, Kito is fighting. Every pangolin saved is a victory against wildlife crime, and we ask that you keep Kito in your thoughts as he begins his journey back from the brink,” said the SPCA.
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