Path-breaking species rehabilitation centre created in SA

From the newsletter

Lepogo Lodges and the African Pangolin Working Group have opened the world's first purpose-built facility for the rehabilitation of trafficked pangolins, called the Pangolarium. It is located within the pristine Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in South Africa and represents a significant advancement in global pangolin conservation efforts.

• Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals worldwide, driven by demand for their scales and meat. The Pangolarium will serve as a veterinary treatment and rehabilitation facility for pangolins confiscated at borders and other points of illegal trade.

• Wildlife rehabilitation enhances animal welfare and species conservation, offering insights into the threats facing wildlife, despite ongoing debates about its effectiveness and broader ecological impacts.

More details

• The Pangolarium has been years in the making, with initial discussions commencing in 2016. Its realisation was made possible through expert planning by the African Pangolin Working Group and crucial sponsorship from Lepogo Lodges. The facility is equipped with advanced medical tools, including sonar machines, to address the specific health challenges faced by pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Its design prioritises minimising stress and aiding the recovery of these sensitive animals.

• The facility will also function as a centre for research and knowledge exchange among conservationists, veterinarians, and academics working with pangolins. The arrival of Dr Kelsey Skinner, a veterinarian with international experience treating various pangolin species, is anticipated to enhance the centre’s expertise. Given the animals' vulnerability, particularly due to their solitary and nocturnal nature, the Pangolarium will play a vital role in ensuring that pangolins are rehabilitated with care and eventually released back into the wild. For security reasons, the exact location of the Pangolarium remains confidential.

• The concept of wildlife rehabilitation centres has long existed, evolving as human-wildlife conflict intensifies and conservation needs increase. Established in 1991 in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre specialises in treating injured, poisoned, and orphaned animals. It also addresses human-wildlife conflict and conducts breeding programmes.

• Founded in 1992 in Botswana, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary spans 8,000 hectares and focuses on breeding and protecting both white and black rhinos. Supported by anti-poaching teams and educational initiatives, it has successfully relocated rhinos. In Kenya, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, established in 1977, is renowned for rescuing orphaned elephants and rhinos. It has reintegrated over 150 elephants into the wild and provides veterinary support across Kenya.

• Launched in 2008, the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre rehabilitates and reintroduces cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas in Namibia. It focuses on reducing human-wildlife conflict through research, education, and relocation efforts. In Zimbabwe, Painted Dog Conservation, established in 1992, works to protect African wild dogs, whose populations are severely impacted by snares and disease. The centre provides rehabilitation, education, and anti-poaching patrols.

• Running a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Africa comes with numerouschallenges. These include limited funding, the emotional toll of caring for traumatised animals, and the constant threat of poaching. Staff often work long hours in harsh environments, with little guarantee of success in rewilding animals. Additionally, balancing visitor education with wildlife wellbeing is delicate, especially when dealing with endangered species like pangolins, whose care requires specialised knowledge and 24/7 monitoring.

Our take

• The Pangolarium's confidential location is a strategic choice that should serve as a model for future conservation projects. Protecting endangered species begins with safeguarding the habitats that support them.

• As poaching tactics advance, our strategies must also adapt. Discreet and secure sanctuaries, combined with research and training centres, may represent the next frontier in protecting Africa's most vulnerable wildlife. In fact, quiet conservation could prove to be the most effective solution.