Three pangolins were this weekend returned to their natural habitat after being confiscated by Malawian Police. The animal rescue team from Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) were on hand on Saturday night to respond to a call from officers in Lilongwe who had taken possession of the animals, which are killed and trafficked for their scales and meat.
The police released the pangolins into the care of LWT’s animal care experts who transported them to the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre for a check-up and to receive food and water. Though spending time in captivity, the pangolins were in good health and were fit for release after two nights at the centre.
On Monday evening, all three animals were set free back into the wild of Malawi where they belong; safe at last.
Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked species. Their meat is a considered a delicacy and their scales are used for traditional folk medicine in countries like China and Vietnam. It is estimated that somewhere in the region of 100,000 pangolins are trafficked each year. Experts say that the species, which is native to Malawi, faces extinction due to the illegal wildlife trade.