When the Forestry Development Authority confiscated a baby pangolin from a market in Maryland, MAF was called to deliver the endangered creature into the protective hands of the Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary team.
Story by Kathy Burrows
“One of MAF’s mission mandates is caring for creation,” said Amos Simiyu, the pilot responsible for transporting the ‘VIP’ passenger: a small white-bellied pangolin.
“As an aviator, what normally comes to mind is the reduction of carbon emissions – but this time it was a rare occasion to save an endangered animal in Liberia.”
Pangolins are shy, gentle creatures which feast on insects such as ants and termites. Unfortunately, continued exploitation of their scales (believed to have medicinal value) and illegal consumption of their meat is pushing them closer to extinction. Weighing in at a tiny 349 grams and with some damage to his scales, the baby pangolin from Maryland needed to be moved quickly to the capital city of Monrovia for medical treatment.
However, since pangolins are naturally anxious, experts were concerned the young male animal might not survive the two-day arduous journey by dirt road, so help was sought from MAF.
“Pangolins are really stressed animals,” said Dr Manon Dorny, veterinarian at Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary. “They can even die of stress, which is why we have to be very careful… especially here, as the roads are often not in the best shape.”
Fortunately, the MAF flight meant he was able to arrive at the sanctuary in a matter of hours avoiding any further distress
One of MAF's mission mandates is caring for creation
“It meant a lot to the department of wildlife in Liberia and has given us another platform to share God's love,” added Amos. “It’s the little things we do that make a difference.”
Director of the sanctuary Valère Verbeat said, “Thanks to the amazing support of MAF in Liberia, this little one was able to travel quickly and safely from Harper to Monrovia by plane. Our team was waiting at the airport to bring him straight to the sanctuary.”
Dr Dorny told MAF that the white-bellied pangolin, which they have affectionately named ‘MAF’, is doing well eating and gaining weight. “Once he has reached around 1kg in weight and is strong enough to find termites for himself, we will release him back into the wild,” she said.
To find out more about Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary and to support their work protecting wildlife in Liberia please visit www.libassawildlifesanctuary.org