The Return of the Pangolin

The Return of the Pangolin

This is the inspiring story of a groundbreaking achievement in pangolin conservation—a tale of hope and survival. It recounts the journey of pangolins rescued from the brink of death at the hands of illegal poachers, their body parts destined to fuel an insatiable demand in the Far East. Against all odds, these animals were rescued, nursed back to health and successfully reintroduced into the wild, marking the return of a species locally extinct for decades. This story symbolises hope for the world's most heavily trafficked mammal.

‘Simon’s book, The Return of the Pangolin, the significance of the name and his detailed record of events from the beginning, captivates the essence and enormity of what transpired. I feel that all of us that have worked on this project in any way, are forever bonded by the pangolins and the secrets they have revealed. Thank you for the immeasurable honour’ – Nicci Wright – IUCN Species Survival Commission Pangolin Specialist Group member and Co-Chair of the African Pangolin Working Group
‘This process can be described as one of the most incredible collaborative efforts between various organisations and individuals in southern Africa, ultimately culminating in a global first for the species – a sustainable sub-population being reintroduced into a piece of savanna ecosystem where they had previously expired. Here Simon describes his experiences in the trials, tribulations, hardships and joy of this rewilding and ‘return’ of a small population of rescued pangolins back to KwaZulu Natal, South Africa’ – Professor Ray Jansen - member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Pangolin Specialist Group and founder and former Chairman of the African Pangolin Working Group.