First Giant Ground Pangolin rescue in Cameroon

18/09/25

Source Credit: www.tikkihywoodfoundation.org

"In Cameroon, the Minister of Forestry & Wildlife, His Excellency Jules Doret Ndongo, and the Tikki Hywood Foundation (THF) are collaborating to tackle the bushmeat trade, a significant contributor to pangolin trafficking. Through a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU), pangolins confiscated by MINFOF from the bushmeat trade and other illegal activities are brought to the THF Centre in Cameroon for rehabilitation before their release back into the wild.

Cameroon, August 26, 2025 — In a remarkable development in pangolin conservation, a Giant Ground Pangolin has been
successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and released back into the wild, marking a milestone in the fight against illegal pangolin trafficking in the country.

On August 22, 2025, during a visit in Campo Ma’an National Park, a German family visiting the area discovered two backpacks abandoned in the forest. The backpacks contained dead monkeys, evidently the result of poaching.

Remarkably, one animal at the bottom of the bag was still alive — an adult male Giant Ground Pangolin, weighing approximately 30
kilograms.

A MINFOF Eco guard accompanying the tourists responded swiftly by firing warning shots to deter potential poachers and facilitate the seizure of the backpacks. The authorities were immediately notified via satellite phone, and that evening, both backpacks were recovered.

The following day, an illegal camp was uncovered within the park, whereby MINFOF arrested three individuals involved in wildlife
poaching.

The rescued pangolin, later named “Akiba,” was transported to the African Wildlife Foundation’s (AWF) before being taken to THF for rehabilitation. Although initially weak and emaciated after the ordeal, Akiba received intensive care for over 14 days, during which he gained 1.5 kilograms and regained strength. His recovery resulted in a successful release into a secure, undisclosed protected area, ensuring his safety and well- being."