7-Year-Old saves pangolin from poachers!
Survivor Nyasulu
In the heart of Nabushome village, a community living in harmony with nature, a 7 year-old girl made a startling discovery last Friday that would capture the interest of fellow community villagers and conservationists alike.
As Natasha roamed about the outskirts of her village, her gaze fell upon the graceful form of a pangolin. Excitedly, she rushed home to inform her parents, exclaiming “l saw a huge bird!” Concerned about the creature’s welfare, the family promptly reached out to the Community Volunteers, who in turn contacted Painted Dog Conservation. Upon receiving the call, the conservation team swiftly responded, arriving at the scene to find the pangolin safe and sound.
The headman, Doctor Mudimba, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the community volunteers and villagers for their pivotal role in reporting the pangolin and ensuring its safe recovery. ‘Community villagers and volunteers are instrumental in saving our wildlife’, he remarked with admiration. Additionally, Hlomani Dingani, the Painted Dog Conservation volunteer coordinator expressed his profound admiration for the efforts of Natasha and Community volunteers in rescuing the pangolin. ‘We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Nabushome Villagers, our dedicated volunteers, and our young hero Natasha’ he said with enthusiasm.
The Painted Dog Conservation Team transported the pangolin to Hwange National Park, where it was released into the wild. There, it will have the opportunity to thrive in its natural habitat, contributing to ecosystem’s balance and biodiversity.
According to WWF Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals. It is imperative for the community to take action by reporting all pangolin sightings to ZimParks, or the nearest appropriate authority, and by reporting all wildlife crime. The fate of pangolins rests in the hands of each and every one of us.
