Pangolin rescue from trafficking networks is a specialised welfare challenge, as these cryptic mammals rarely survive captivity and require species-specific rehabilitation.
Rescued pangolins are in acute distress from trafficking stress, dehydration, and injury. Many arrive with infections and physical damage from confinement. The combination of specialised dietary needs, extreme stress sensitivity, and cryptic behaviour makes rehabilitation very challenging. Welfare in rehabilitation centres requires minimising human contact, providing appropriate ant and termite diet, and reducing stressors. The ultimate welfare goal is survival and release, but this is achieved for a minority of rescued animals.