Today marks Giving Tuesday, and there is a poignant call to action for the preservation of a baby pangolin in Nigeria, highlighting the dire circumstances many of these creatures face due to poaching.
Pangolins are critically endangered, with illegal hunting posing a serious threat to their survival. However, with the devoted efforts of wildlife conservation organizations, there is hope. A young pangolin pup named Tikki was recently rescued from a bushmeat market in Nigeria, where she was found in horrifying condition.
At just eight months old, Tikki was found stuffed into a dirty bag, severely infested with hundreds of ticks that were draining her strength. This case was reported as one of the worst infestations ever encountered by the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative (GWCI), the organization that took her in. The caring team meticulously removed the ticks by hand, putting Tikki on the path to recovery, but she still requires ongoing, specialized care.
For her continued survival, Tikki needs special milk formula, which costs $100 (£77) each month—a significant amount in a country with a minimum wage of less than $42 (£32.50). Sadly, Tikki is one of many pangolins that GWCI saves from dire situations, and all of them require similar attention and resources for a chance at life.
This Giving Tuesday, supporters are urged to contribute to Tikki’s care. A donation could have a profound impact not only on her life but also on the conservation efforts aimed at preventing the extinction of pangolins. Every contribution makes a difference, especially when it comes to preserving such an extraordinary species.
While the challenges are substantial, there is hope through collective effort and compassion. With continued support from caring individuals, organizations like GWCI are making strides in protecting pangolins and their habitats.
This Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to show compassion and support for wildlife conservation, helping to safeguard the future of not only Tikki but also countless other pangolins in peril.
In a world where their survival hangs in the balance, your help can be the catalyst for meaningful change, providing a brighter future for these remarkable creatures and the ecosystem they belong to.