Today, on Giving Tuesday, a baby pangolin in Nigeria is desperately hoping for your compassion. Pangolins are facing the very real threat of extinction, driven by ruthless poachers. Thanks to the dedicated work of our teams, this baby was saved.
Eight-month-old pangolin pup, Tikki, was saved from a Nigerian bushmeat market in a truly atrocious state. She was stuffed into a filthy sack and she was infested with hundreds of disease-spreading ticks, slowly sucking the life out of her. They clung to every inch of her battered little body – the worst infestation our partner, Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative (GWCI), had ever seen. Each of the hundreds of ticks had to be carefully removed by hand.
Our partner took Tikki into its care, painstakingly removing every tick from her weakened body. She was then moved into temporary isolation because she probably still harbors tick eggs, which could cause a disease outbreak at our partner sanctuary.
Saving Tikki: A Race Against Time
Specialized milk formula is critical to Tikki’s survival. It costs $100 (around £77) to feed her for an entire month – a high cost in a country where the minimum wage is less than $42 (£32.50) per month. And she is not the only one fighting for survival at our partner’s shelter. GWCI regularly rescues pangolins from horrific meat markets and cruel traffickers in the chaotic West African country – and sometimes, they are just a few weeks old. They all need special milk if they are to have any chance of surviving, and for that, they really need you.
Why are Pangolins Endangered?
With their thick keratin scales, pangolins are virtually invulnerable to all predators – except humans, who effortlessly snatch them from the wild. Without dedicated conservation work – and the support of caring people like you – their species stands little chance of surviving the next decade.
Your Gift Makes a Difference
$100 (£77) is incredibly hard to come by in Africa, but we know our supporters care enough to help – especially when every life counts in the fight against extinction. So please, make your gift count this Giving Tuesday – for the pangolins of Africa and the future of our planet.
Please donate now, and share this plea for Tikki and her fellow rescues with all your friends and family. Saving animals and the planet, Campaign Director Animal Survival International
A Plea for Tikki
Your donations help our vital work to protect and save wildlife around the world!
