While Taking A Mud Bath A Little Pangolin Can’t Contain His Delight

Meet Stevie, a rambunctious pangolin.

When the baby pangolin isn’t looking for termites, he relaxes in a mud bath or plays with whatever intriguing object he comes across on his daily travels.

Sarah Kempen, a spokesman for the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH), told The Dodo, “He truly likes playing with pebbles, tree branches, and even tree stumps.” “He’s been seen to roll around in these conditions and even down minor embankments and termite mounds.”

Stevie, a Temminck’s pangolin, was rescued from poachers in the South African city of Pretoria when he was just a baby. When rescuers found Stevie, he was underweight and sick after having been separated from his mom.

Pangolin scales are prized for their use in traditional Asian medicine, and their meat is considered a delicacy. “As the most trafficked mammal in the world, their lives and ours are at risk,” Kempen said. “Thus, we have an off-site clinic where they are safe, away from our usual hospital grounds.”

Stevie’s health improved in the hospital, and he swiftly gained weight.

“He has gained almost 4 kilos (nearly 8 pounds) since coming at the hospital,” Kempen added. “He’s a much more self-assured pangolin who can scavenge for termites on his own.” When he first came, his only source of nutrition was a special milk formula. He went out scavenging for ants and termites in the weeks that followed, as his health recovered.”

Since Stevie had been separated from his mom at such a young age, the hospital staff coached Stevie in natural pangolin behavior. But the one thing Stevie didn’t need any help learning was how to take a mud bath — one of his favorite activities.

“He frequently rolls in puddles as soon as he finds them,” Kempen added. “This appears to significantly cool him down, allowing him to eat for longer periods of time and being more comfortable because he doesn’t become as hot.”

“Mud/fresh dung baths are popular in Pangolin,” she noted. “We believe this is to not just cool them down, but also to provide possible parasite protection.”