Zoo Pangolin Welfare: The World's Most Trafficked Mammal

Pangolins are critically threatened by poaching and face extraordinary challenges in captive care due to their specialised ecology.

Key Facts

All eight pangolin species are threatened — four are Critically Endangered
Pangolins are the most trafficked wild mammals globally, primarily for scales and meat in Asia
They are myrmecophages — specialised ant and termite eaters with no teeth and extremely long tongues
Captive care is extremely difficult — most pangolins die within months of entering captivity
Stress from capture and handling suppresses immune function and causes mortality
Successful captive breeding is rare — San Diego Zoo is among the few facilities with documented success

Welfare Considerations

Pangolin welfare in any captive setting is extraordinarily challenging. Their highly specialised diet, sensitivity to stress, susceptibility to pneumonia, and dependence on complex termite mound environments make replication of adequate conditions nearly impossible. Most pangolins that enter captivity — whether through rescue or confiscation — die within months. The most welfare-positive intervention for pangolins is preventing them from entering captivity in the first place through anti-poaching enforcement and demand reduction for pangolin products. For the rare cases where captive care is necessary, only specialist facilities with genuine ant and termite colony infrastructure should attempt it.

What You Can Do

Never purchase products containing pangolin scales or meat
Support anti-poaching enforcement and demand reduction campaigns for pangolin products
Donate to specialist organisations working on pangolin conservation and confiscation care
Advocate for stronger international trade enforcement under CITES for all pangolin species
Raise awareness of pangolin conservation status — public recognition drives protection efforts