When a Pangolin has been nursed back to health through complex medical care and rehabilitation, the Pangolin is released back into the wild using a soft-release method. The team carefully selects the release sites based on their expertise and assessment of the character and feeding preferences of the Pangolin in question, as well as the security of the release site.

The release process involves regular monitoring of the Pangolin's movements and well-being in gradually-increasing intervals, by using the VHF & GPS tags. The tags are fastened on the Pangolin's back using two screws that are attached to the scales. Because the scales are made of keratin, just like human nails, they don't have nerves where they overlap each other, the tags don't hurt the animal. The Umoya Khulula team train and assist the local monitoring teams at the release site, so that they are able to follow up after the full release is complete and the Pangolin is self-sufficient and thriving.

One set of Pangolin tracking tags costs between $1,6000 and $2,200 and can be reused after being removed from a successfully released animal. Your donation can help many poached or injured Pangolins on their journey to becoming fully wild and thriving again.

You can read more about Pangolin rescue in a previous update or on our Pangolin conservation page.