Rescued pangolin gives birth at vet hospital Posted on 14 November 2019 Tags:pangolin The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital was treated to an unsuspecting surprise when a pangolin gave birth while vets were treating her, on Wednesday 13 November. The team at the vet hospital has named their newest patient Mishwa. ‘Her name is derived from a Shona word meaning surprise,’ said the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in a Facebook post. The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital is an NPC that treats small to medium-sized indigenous wildlife, rather than larger game. ‘We are hopeful, but cautious about this newborn, Mishwa, as she has been born in captivity and most likely prematurely too. Weighing 281grams of cuteness, we are hoping she grows up and lives in the wild like she ought to. Her chances at survival are guarded as prematurely born animals have underdeveloped lungs and the next few days are critical if she is to survive and be part of the future generation of pangolins,’ said the post. Pangolins are the most trafficked animals in the world and no pangolins are kept on the vet hospital premises, as it puts the animals and staff in danger. They are treated at the facility for short periods and moved to a guarded, secure location. UPDATE: Sadly, the pangopup has passed away. ‘After checking on mom Ellie and baby Mishwa, yesterday afternoon, Dr K found Mishwa was cold and weak. While her mom Ellie was feeding her, it seemed that she was not able to produce enough milk for little Mishwa. Dextrose and a drip was administered to the little pup to build her strength and energy levels, and she was support fed throughout the night. Despite this, she seemed to get weaker and weaker and unfortunately passed away,’ said the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in a Facebook post on the evening of Thursday 14 November. *Update 15 November: Unfortunately the baby pangolin did not survive, the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital said in a subsequent Facebook post. The NPC relies on donations so if you would like to support them these are the details: Johannesburg Wildlife NPC FNB Cheque account Account nr: 62658400264 Branch code: 255355 Swift code: FIRNZAJJ MySchool: MYSCHOOL: http://www.johannesburgwildlifevet.com/myschool-card.html Images: Facebook/ Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital Also read: Joburg Wildlife Vet creates bracelets for a good cause Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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