Pangolins are lonely creatures that like to roam at night. They are easily identified by their distinctive armor, which is covered in numerous scales and which they use to defend themselves from predators. They have a unique habit in which they roll up when terrified, to play, or to move around.
Stevie is a beautiful pangolin that was rescued as a newborn and is now in the care of the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH). It is generally quite busy in its vast habitat seeking for a termite feast, but when it is not, it may be spotted having a mud bath.
The hospital’s spokesperson, Sarah Kempen, told The Dodo:
“He loves to play with pebbles, tree branches, and even tree trunks,” says his mother. It is known to roll over tiny embankments and termite mounds as well as around these components.
Stevie has an interesting backstory, as this Temminck pangolin was recovered from poachers in Pretoria, South Africa.
Little Stevie was suffering from many ailments and was underweight since he had been removed from his mother when rescuers discovered him. Unfortunately, because their scales are utilized in traditional Asian medicine and their flesh is highly sought after, pangolins are heavily killed by poachers.
Sarah continued, ”
“As the world’s most trafficked animal, their lives and ours are in jeopardy.” So we have a clinic… away from our hospital’s typical grounds.’
Stevie’s health began to improve the instant he arrived at the hospital, and he soon gained a lot of weight and vigor. Stevie has gained over 8 pounds, has grown in confidence, and is now capable of hunting for termites on his own.
His first meal was a special milk formula when he arrived, but when his health improved, he ventured outside to seek for termites and ants.
The clinic personnel took it upon themselves to prepare Stevie to deal with the wildlife because he lacked the company of a mother. The only thing Stevie didn’t require assistance with was learning how to take a mud bath, which is one of his favorite pastimes.
Sarah had this to say:
“It generally rolls in a pool of water as soon as it discovers one.” This seemed to significantly chill him down, allowing him to eat for longer periods of time and be more comfortable.
Although pangolins in general take these baths, Stevie has a particular fondness for it and partakes in it whenever he has the opportunity. The tiny scaly creature is unquestionably improving, and its rescuers hope it will be ready to return to the wild in a private reserve shortly.
However, it will be observed for the first several weeks, and they will gradually remove it so that it can adjust to its new surroundings and food sources.
Credit: INSTAGRAM / JOHANNESBURGWILDLIFEVET
You will be fully freed after acclimating to the natural habitat and will be permitted to wander outside, but you will be closely observed to guarantee your safety.
Sarah expressed herself as follows:
“Conservationists will also keep an eye on your weight and development to ensure that you stay happy and healthy.”
Stevie’s courageous rescuers have ensured that the young pangolin may enjoy additional mud baths without fear.
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