On this Giving Tuesday, a baby pangolin in Nigeria is calling for your compassion. Pangolins are critically endangered due to relentless poaching, but thanks to the efforts of dedicated teams, this infant pangolin, named Tikki, has been rescued from a dire situation.
Tikki, only eight months old, was discovered in a bushmeat market in Nigeria, trapped in a grimy sack and suffering from a severe infestation of ticks. These parasites were dangerously draining her strength, clinging to her frail body in alarming numbers—more than what conservationists had ever encountered before. Proficient staff from Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative (GWCI) tirelessly worked to remove each tick by hand.
Now, Tikki requires specialized care, including a specific milk formula, for her survival over the coming months. The monthly cost of this specialized nutrition is $100 (approximately £77), a significant amount in a country where the minimum wage is below $42 (£32.50) per month.
It’s not just Tikki who needs support; GWCI frequently rescues pangolins from meat markets and traffickers. Many of these animals are just weeks old, needing similar care and nutrition for any hope of survival.
While $100 may seem like a small contribution to some, it represents a daunting challenge for many in Africa. However, every contribution can create a ripple effect in the conservation of the pangolin species. With their unique keratin scales, pangolins have few natural predators; unfortunately, humans are their greatest threat. Without continued conservation efforts sustained by genuine support, the future of these animals is in jeopardy.
This Giving Tuesday presents an opportunity to change the trajectory for Tikki and the numerous pangolins in peril. By sharing this plea and donating, you can play a part in the fight against extinction and offer these helpless creatures a chance at life.
Together, we can make a difference, not just for Tikki but for the very future of pangolins in Africa. Your compassion today could spark hope for a better tomorrow for these endangered animals.
In summary, Tikki’s rescue highlights the urgent need for support in wildlife conservation and the profound impact of individual donations. Every act of kindness counts as we work to protect our planet’s precious biodiversity.