Looking back on 2019 I was astounded to see that Nikela funded over a dozen Pangolin Rescue Missions. 90% of them with successful results where the little critter was found alive and well enough for release. Sadly, there are times when Moses arrives too late and the pangolin has been sold or has died. On one occasion, although rescued alive, the injured little guy succumbed to the stab wounds.
Then there was the happy time when to everyone’s surprise the poached pangolin was a mum with a tiny youngster. Moses says, that was absolutely the best day! Both where healthy and were released quickly in a safe place.
Ideally pangolin rescue missions end with the little animals being released almost immediately. However, due to circumstances (the pangolin’s condition or the arrival of the Wildlife Authorities) the pangolin must be held for a couple of days. To accommodate this Moses was advised by volunteer vets to build an enclosure with a tree in it.
At years end Nikela (with the help of the volunteer vets) funded the building of the enclosure. It is quickly proving to be a good thing. It allows Moses and his team to observe the pangolin. Unlike in the transport box, they now can watch for any possible impairments. And of course it is much nicer for the frightened animal.
Moses continues to get called out at least once a month on a pangolin rescue mission. And as you can imagine there are costs involved. Unlike other organizations Moses doesn’t have a large account to draw from. Each time he gets a text that a pangolin is being held he reaches out to Nikela to cover the necessary expenses for its rescue.
What do Pangolin Rescue Missions cost?
Well, if Moses doesn’t respond immediately when he gets a text that a pangolin is being offered for sale… it dies. It is sold either for bush-meat or snatched up by the wildlife trafficking trade and ends up in Asia.
The cost of not responding is enormous… after all we’re dealing with the most endangered mammal on the planet here! Each animal lost brings extinction that much closer for this species.
The expenses typically incurred on these pangolin rescue missions include:
- Fuel for the vehicle
- Rewards for informants
- Bargaining cash (when needed)
- Load for phones to allow texting
- Food while traveling
- Permit costs (when crossing the border)
All this adds up to an average pangolin rescue mission costing $100.
Moses is committed to saving the highly endangered pangolin from going extinct in his region. Moses is determined to keep educating villagers and farmers to become part of the solution. Moses is equally determined to keep helping reformed poachers develop alternative livelihoods.
As you can imagine, in a poor country the temptation to poach is huge. As you can imagine Moses can’t do this with out your help.
Being part of these Pangolin Rescue Missions is easy…
100% of your charitable donation goes to help.
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