Pangolin release in the wild

Pangolins Peter and Amba return to the wild!

News

Together, we’ve been able to rescue, rehabilitate and release two pangolins back into the wild. Thank you for your support!

Image credit: JAAN

Peter and Amba are living proof that even a little compassion and generosity can change lives. Thank you for supporting our pangolin rescue mission along with our partners at Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN).

Watch as they take their first steps back into their home, the wild:

Peter’s story

Peter was rescued from an illegal wildlife trader and arrived at the sanctuary terrified, weak and traumatised. With patient, expert care from JAAN’s team, he slowly regained his strength. Today, he is living freely in a protected area in the wild, away from known poaching routes.

Peter the pangolin receives emergency medical care
Image credit: JAAN

Amba’s story

Amba’s rescue began with a tip‑off from a detained wildlife trafficker. When our team raided a poacher’s home in Central Java, they found over 80kg of pangolin scales, and hidden beneath them, one tiny, terrified pangolin still clinging to life.

He was rushed to JAAN’s rescue centre, where specialist vets treated his injuries. Thanks to their dedicated care, he made a full recovery and has now been released into a safe, carefully chosen forest location monitored by JAAN biologists.

For every Peter and Amba who survive, countless pangolins are still being hunted, smuggled and hidden away. Some are minutes from death when we find them.

Amba receives emergency medical care
Image credit: JAAN


Will you DONATE NOW TO URGENTLY HELP PANGOLINS? 

Yes, I’ll donate

Your generosity can help expose traffickers and fuel rescue efforts, strengthening the frontline teams working day and night to give pangolins a safer future. 

Together, we can give more pangolins like Peter and Amba a life worth living.

Support the Pangolin Rescue mission

Your life-saving gift today can help to stop pangolins from being poached, beaten and boiled alive.

FAQs

What issue are pangolins in Indonesia facing right now?

Across Indonesia, pangolins are being hunted, smuggled and sold into the cruel illegal wildlife trade. Shy and gentle by nature, they are the world’s most trafficked mammal, captured for their scales and meat and pushed to the brink of extinction.

How is World Animal Protection helping pangolins?

Together with our partners at JAAN, we’re fighting the barbaric wildlife trade. With support from animal lovers like you, brave investigators, skilled handlers and specially trained sniffer dogs like Bailey are tracking traffickers, rescuing pangolins, and giving them a second chance at life.

Take the Pangolin quiz

How long is a pangolins tongue? Test your pangolin knowledge with our facts quiz below.

Support the Pangolin Rescue mission

Your life-saving gift today can help to stop pangolins from being poached, beaten and boiled alive.

More about