Pioneers in the veterinary treatment of Temminck's pangolin in Africa
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital is the veterinary facility that spearheaded the passion for pangolin treatment and specialised medical care in Africa – a need that arose from the unprecedented surge in the poaching of these gentle animals on our continent. Led by veterinarian Dr Karin Lourens, the hospital pioneered the first lifesaving treatment protocols for these very complex animals and continues to elevate the quality of the treatment, survival rates and rehabilitation success rates of our precious Temminck’s pangolin. The hospital has established itself as a global leader in not only the field of pangolin veterinary treatment and rehabilitation but also in the advocacy for these animals – raising global awareness of their plight, taking the stand in court to give this species a voice and dedicating countless man hours and funds to ensure their survival.
Pioneers of pangolin medicine
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital is consistently evolving new methods of emergency stabilisation, veterinary treatment and rehabilitative care for pangolins. The hospital gained international acclaim for its success in pioneering Temminck's pangolin plasma and blood transfusions as well as for developing the first veterinary protocols for the emergency treatment of Temminck’s pangolin, and engineering innovative nutritional stabilization formulas. Dr Lourens, a practicing veterinarian for 22 years with a special interest in wildlife veterinary medicine, recently revolutionizing the pangolin treatment platform once again – successfully utilising canine blood for a lifesaving blood transfusion for a pregnant pangolin.
At the start of the poaching wave in South Africa Dr Lourens threw herself into establishing the normal hematology and clinical biochemistry reference intervals for the Temminck’s pangolin to assist veterinarians in stabilising and treating these mysterious creatures. Her expertise was published in the book Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation followed by her master’s degree (cum laude) in February 2020, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Through the expertise of Dr Lourens the treatment success rate of compromised and confiscated pangolins rose from below 30% to over 80% in just four years. The link to the published article can be found at the end of this page.
Industry leaders
The hospital team has recently admitted their 200th pangolin, dedicating countless man hours and funds to ensuring the survival of the species and gaining extensive experience in the treatment, rehabilitation and release of pangolins pulled from the wildlife trade. This knowledge has been shared and used by veterinarians and animal scientists throughout Africa and the world to assist them in their individual fights to save the worlds most trafficked mammal. Dr Lourens has now trained multiple additional veterinarians in the emergency treatment of the species and the establishment of additional hubs of expertise.
Protecting our heritage
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital does not shy away from legal responsibilities in the pursuit of justice for these animals and we became the first facility to provide subject matter experts to our courts - true experts in their fields who paint the picture of the torture pangolins endure trapped in the cycle of violence of the illicit wildlife trade. These testaments brought about the precedent setting convictions that are so vital in slowing down the poaching tide.
Here's how you can assist:
Check out our Donation platforms on our "How you can help" drop down menu.
While pangolin rehabilitation is an intensive and costly process, saving a species is priceless. Any amount you are able to donate will be sincerely appreciated.
Pioneers of pangolin medicine
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital is consistently evolving new methods of emergency stabilisation, veterinary treatment and rehabilitative care for pangolins. The hospital gained international acclaim for its success in pioneering Temminck's pangolin plasma and blood transfusions as well as for developing the first veterinary protocols for the emergency treatment of Temminck’s pangolin, and engineering innovative nutritional stabilization formulas. Dr Lourens, a practicing veterinarian for 22 years with a special interest in wildlife veterinary medicine, recently revolutionizing the pangolin treatment platform once again – successfully utilising canine blood for a lifesaving blood transfusion for a pregnant pangolin.
At the start of the poaching wave in South Africa Dr Lourens threw herself into establishing the normal hematology and clinical biochemistry reference intervals for the Temminck’s pangolin to assist veterinarians in stabilising and treating these mysterious creatures. Her expertise was published in the book Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation followed by her master’s degree (cum laude) in February 2020, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Through the expertise of Dr Lourens the treatment success rate of compromised and confiscated pangolins rose from below 30% to over 80% in just four years. The link to the published article can be found at the end of this page.
Industry leaders
The hospital team has recently admitted their 200th pangolin, dedicating countless man hours and funds to ensuring the survival of the species and gaining extensive experience in the treatment, rehabilitation and release of pangolins pulled from the wildlife trade. This knowledge has been shared and used by veterinarians and animal scientists throughout Africa and the world to assist them in their individual fights to save the worlds most trafficked mammal. Dr Lourens has now trained multiple additional veterinarians in the emergency treatment of the species and the establishment of additional hubs of expertise.
Protecting our heritage
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital does not shy away from legal responsibilities in the pursuit of justice for these animals and we became the first facility to provide subject matter experts to our courts - true experts in their fields who paint the picture of the torture pangolins endure trapped in the cycle of violence of the illicit wildlife trade. These testaments brought about the precedent setting convictions that are so vital in slowing down the poaching tide.
Here's how you can assist:
Check out our Donation platforms on our "How you can help" drop down menu.
While pangolin rehabilitation is an intensive and costly process, saving a species is priceless. Any amount you are able to donate will be sincerely appreciated.
All treatment of wildlife is free of charge and we rely solely on the support of our community and corporate sponsors.
PLEASE SUPPORT US AND HELP US KEEP WILDLIFE WILD!
PLEASE SUPPORT US AND HELP US KEEP WILDLIFE WILD!
