Listen to the heartbeat of an unborn pangolin

Posted by Anita Froneman on 23 August 2021

The prospective birth of a pangolin in South Africa is a cause for celebration.  The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH) recently took in yet another one of these endangered animals after she was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, and realised she was pregnant.

‘Rosie (affectionately named as such) was transported to us by Pangolin K9, the hospital said. ‘During our in depth clinical examination, Dr Kelsey discovered that she was pregnant. Thankfully the ultrasound scan showed a normal fetal heartbeat. We perform a CT scan in every pangolin patient and during Rosie’s scan we could see her pup even more clearly.’

The rescue was made possible through a joint operation between SAPS Cullinan Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Silverton K9 unit, West Rand K9 unit, Benoni K9 Unit, U.S Department of Homeland Security, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Green Scorpions) and the African Pangolin Working Group.

Credit: Sarah Kempen

‘This pangolin mom is emaciated, and we are doing everything we can to ensure weight gain without causing too much stress which in turn could cause an abortion,’ the JWVH added. ‘We are walking a very fine line as releasing her too soon might also be detrimental. Once she is healthy enough she will be released in a safe and protected environment to have her pup in the wild.’

Karin Lourens, owner and head veterinarian at the JWVH shared a wonderful video of Rosie undergoing treatment, and the heartbeat of her unborn pup can be heard. ‘Sound on loud. Listening to the fetal heartbeat with a handheld doppler,’ she said. ‘Mom is still very thin with a way to go, but baby seems to be strong.’

Listen to this:

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