Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals on Earth, yet their extreme behavioral specialization makes successful captive care extraordinarily difficult.
Pangolin captive welfare is one of conservation biology's greatest challenges. Their specialized insectivorous diet — exclusively live ants and termites in specific species — is nearly impossible to replicate in captivity. Many pangolins refuse to eat artificial diets and starve. Their immune systems, evolved for isolated forest life, cannot cope with the pathogens of captive environments. Stress-induced pneumonia kills rapidly. Their solitary, nocturnal nature means zoo viewing conditions cause chronic distress. Individuals rescued from the illegal trade are so stressed by capture and transport that recovery is extremely difficult. The welfare costs of captivity are so high that experts generally recommend against zoo keeping of pangolins — conservation focus should be on protecting wild populations and habitat rather than captive maintenance.