Text/photos – Samo Jossefa Samo
Gorongosa National Park marked World Pangolin Day on 21 February 2026 by carrying out a series of awareness-raising and environmental education activities, reinforcing the need to protect this threatened species, combat poaching and illegal trade, and share with the public the conservation work being carried out in the Park.
The celebrations began with a walk and foraging activity with the pangolins in the early morning, following the animals’ usual feeding and handling routine during rehabilitation. The programme also included an explanatory presentation on the pangolin rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation process, as well as the screening of an illustrative video demonstrating the technical work undertaken by the veterinary team in caring for this sensitive species.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit the Pangolin Rehabilitation Centre, where they learned firsthand about the care provided to the animals before their return to the wild—an educational experience that helped deepen understanding of the importance of conservation.
The initiative was promoted by the Conservation Department, through the Veterinary Services Sector, under the coordination of veterinarian Mércia Ângela, with support from technician Limpo Pereira.
During the activity, Limpo Pereira explained that many of the pangolins admitted to the centre result from law-enforcement operations combating illegal wildlife trafficking, with the pangolin considered one of the most trafficked species in the world. After rescue, the animals receive daily veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and undergo a rehabilitation process designed to restore their natural behaviours and help them overcome the trauma of captivity. Before release, they are fitted with GPS monitoring devices, allowing teams to track their adaptation to their natural habitat and ensure successful reintegration.
Data presented indicate that since the establishment of the Rehabilitation Centre in 2018, 160 pangolins have been received—121 from rescues linked to illegal trafficking and 39 voluntarily handed over by local communities. These numbers reflect growing community involvement in species conservation and the ongoing collaboration between the Park and surrounding populations.
On the occasion, Dr. Mércia Ângela highlighted that World Pangolin Day represents a moment for reflection and for strengthening collective commitment to conservation. According to her, the date serves to raise awareness about the importance of this species for ecosystem balance and the need to protect it from trafficking and other threats.
“It is a day to remember that the pangolin must be conserved so that future generations have the opportunity to know it. We depend on this species for the well-being of our planet and for the balance of nature.”
In turn, the representative of the Director of the Conservation Department present at the event, Simião Mahumana, congratulated the technicians and collaborators for their work, highlighting the joint effort of different sectors and the strong relationship with communities as determining factors in the recovery and protection of this species in the Park.
The celebration therefore constituted not only a commemorative moment, but also an action of education and awareness, encouraging society to participate actively in protecting the pangolin and biodiversity as a whole.
In 2025, the pangolin came to life through readings, theatre performances, poetry, lessons, and drawings when the Park launched “Shaka – The Pangolin,” a children’s storybook written by Maria Díaz and illustrated by Ekim from Cruzada Por Los Niños. More than 200 copies were distributed to Girls’ Clubs and schools in communities near the park.
The story’s message about the importance of protecting this animal reached more than 5,000 children, inspiring a new generation of pangolin ambassadors. (Photos below – Joana Diniz)
