Pangolin emergency appeal
Wild&Free - Rehabilitation and Release charity is launching an emergency campaign for pangolins and wildlife in need during Covid19 outbreak.
The story...
‘What is a Pangolin?’
This is the question that Wild&Free asked people from different corners of the world 2 years ago. Watch this short video to hear the answers, it is pretty clear that people didn’t really know! If that’s your case too, now if a good chance to find out.
Gradually, the pangolin gained more coverage in the media with the tagline ‘The Most trafficked mammal on Earth’.
A heart-breaking statement backed up by the horrendous statistics ‘1 pangolin is poached from the wild every 5 min’ and it is estimated that at least 120 000 pangolins are killed each year. Unsurprisingly, this is pushing this critically endangered species to extinction. Their scales are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and their meat is considered a delicacy, which is causing a huge decrease of this persecuted and inoffensive animal’s population.
2020: the year everyone knows about the pangolin.
This year, awareness of pangolin trafficking is on the rise due to its potential role as an intermediate host in the transmission of Covid-19 to humans. Now more than ever is the chance to expose the harsh truths and consequences of pet trading and poaching.
You would think that poaching would decrease due to travel restrictions and general population movement imposed by the outbreak of the Corona Virus, but as always, these extreme living conditions bring the best and the worst of humanity: poaching is not slowing down and thousands of pangolins are still being trafficked at the time of this campaign.
Wild&Free’s support to Pangolin started in 2017.
Wild&Free’s first support to pangolin conservation started in 2017 after returning from a trip to Uganda and hearing of the staggering death rate of these animals in the country after their rescue from the illegal trade. This was due to the lack of rehabilitation knowledge and protocols at the time, which has now improved. Geraldine raised funds and visited to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) rehabilitation centre in March 2018, the leading conservation organisation in Asia.
Geraldine at Save Vietnam's Wildlife in March 2018
Pangolins are almost extinct in Asia, and Africa is the only other continent where they can be found, which means that sadly, the poaching to meet demand in Asia is relentless.
Wild&Free’s new project in Africa.
Determined to support a centre that successfully rescues, rehabilitates and safely releases pangolins based in Africa, Wild&Free identified Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary (LiWiSa) as our next project.
LiWiSa is the only rehabilitation centre in Liberia and neighbouring countries, making their work absolutely critical for wildlife conservation, not only for pangolins but primates and all other wildlife.
Since their opening on May 6, 2017, 389 animals have been rescued, including 56 pangolins and 190 released. The centre has also constructed facilities to provide long-term care for those who unfortunately cannot be returned to the wild.
They currently care for 4 baby pangolins called Pangopups, 56 monkeys and 40 other animals. It costs £960 per month to feed the animals at the centre and £115 per month to care for those 4 pangopups.
Rescued Pangopup at LiWiSa. Photo courtesy of the centre
What are we raising money for?
Due to the countries lockdown, this vital funding for food only usually covered by the small entrance fee ($5) to visit the centre has suddenly come to a halt.
This is an emergency fundraising and we ask you to help us securing £2900, which corresponds to 3 months of food for these animals.
If you can make a small donation, be assured that 100% of your money will go to this centre.
As for any project with Wild&Free, LiWiSa will be supported, not just in these difficult times but on an ongoing basis.
How you can help?
1. Of course, making a donation for to this campaign is a wonderful gesture and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity.
2. You can also donate via Paypal: [email redacted]
3. If your birthday is coming up during the time of lockdown, why not starting a birthday fundraiser for Wild & Free - Rehabilitation and Release?
4. We have beautiful bespoke Pangolin merchandise on Wild&Free’s online shop , where 100% of the profit goes to this campaign.
I will be adding all offline donations to this campaign to keep you up to date with our fundraising!
Thank you very much in advance!
Geraldine
More information about Wild & Free - Rehabilitation and Release:
Wild & Free - Rehabilitation and Release supports wildlife organisations worldwide to rescue, rehabilitate and successfully release wild animals back to their natural habitat, and to protect their environment. The charity operates by raising: - awareness to the public about the threats faced by wildlife leading to their possible extinction - funds for projects that are determined with the selected wildlife rehabilitation centres and organisations.
Registered Charity N°1158750
www.wildnfree.org
The story...
‘What is a Pangolin?’
This is the question that Wild&Free asked people from different corners of the world 2 years ago. Watch this short video to hear the answers, it is pretty clear that people didn’t really know! If that’s your case too, now if a good chance to find out.
Gradually, the pangolin gained more coverage in the media with the tagline ‘The Most trafficked mammal on Earth’.
A heart-breaking statement backed up by the horrendous statistics ‘1 pangolin is poached from the wild every 5 min’ and it is estimated that at least 120 000 pangolins are killed each year. Unsurprisingly, this is pushing this critically endangered species to extinction. Their scales are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and their meat is considered a delicacy, which is causing a huge decrease of this persecuted and inoffensive animal’s population.
2020: the year everyone knows about the pangolin.
This year, awareness of pangolin trafficking is on the rise due to its potential role as an intermediate host in the transmission of Covid-19 to humans. Now more than ever is the chance to expose the harsh truths and consequences of pet trading and poaching.
You would think that poaching would decrease due to travel restrictions and general population movement imposed by the outbreak of the Corona Virus, but as always, these extreme living conditions bring the best and the worst of humanity: poaching is not slowing down and thousands of pangolins are still being trafficked at the time of this campaign.
Wild&Free’s support to Pangolin started in 2017.
Wild&Free’s first support to pangolin conservation started in 2017 after returning from a trip to Uganda and hearing of the staggering death rate of these animals in the country after their rescue from the illegal trade. This was due to the lack of rehabilitation knowledge and protocols at the time, which has now improved. Geraldine raised funds and visited to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) rehabilitation centre in March 2018, the leading conservation organisation in Asia.
Geraldine at Save Vietnam's Wildlife in March 2018Pangolins are almost extinct in Asia, and Africa is the only other continent where they can be found, which means that sadly, the poaching to meet demand in Asia is relentless.
Wild&Free’s new project in Africa.
Determined to support a centre that successfully rescues, rehabilitates and safely releases pangolins based in Africa, Wild&Free identified Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary (LiWiSa) as our next project.
LiWiSa is the only rehabilitation centre in Liberia and neighbouring countries, making their work absolutely critical for wildlife conservation, not only for pangolins but primates and all other wildlife.
Since their opening on May 6, 2017, 389 animals have been rescued, including 56 pangolins and 190 released. The centre has also constructed facilities to provide long-term care for those who unfortunately cannot be returned to the wild.
They currently care for 4 baby pangolins called Pangopups, 56 monkeys and 40 other animals. It costs £960 per month to feed the animals at the centre and £115 per month to care for those 4 pangopups.
Rescued Pangopup at LiWiSa. Photo courtesy of the centreWhat are we raising money for?
Due to the countries lockdown, this vital funding for food only usually covered by the small entrance fee ($5) to visit the centre has suddenly come to a halt.
This is an emergency fundraising and we ask you to help us securing £2900, which corresponds to 3 months of food for these animals.
If you can make a small donation, be assured that 100% of your money will go to this centre.
As for any project with Wild&Free, LiWiSa will be supported, not just in these difficult times but on an ongoing basis.
How you can help?
1. Of course, making a donation for to this campaign is a wonderful gesture and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity.
2. You can also donate via Paypal: [email redacted]
3. If your birthday is coming up during the time of lockdown, why not starting a birthday fundraiser for Wild & Free - Rehabilitation and Release?
4. We have beautiful bespoke Pangolin merchandise on Wild&Free’s online shop , where 100% of the profit goes to this campaign.
I will be adding all offline donations to this campaign to keep you up to date with our fundraising!
Thank you very much in advance!
Geraldine
More information about Wild & Free - Rehabilitation and Release:
Wild & Free - Rehabilitation and Release supports wildlife organisations worldwide to rescue, rehabilitate and successfully release wild animals back to their natural habitat, and to protect their environment. The charity operates by raising: - awareness to the public about the threats faced by wildlife leading to their possible extinction - funds for projects that are determined with the selected wildlife rehabilitation centres and organisations.
Registered Charity N°1158750
www.wildnfree.org
Organizer
Geraldine Morelli
Organizer
England
Wild & Free - Rehabilitation and Release
Beneficiary