The cute pangolin, also known as Pangolin in Malay, which resembles a small dinosaur, is unfortunately now a globally endangered species. Our new dog sleeping toy Pangolin is dedicated to this adorable animal and aims to do good: to preserve the memory of these little creatures and at the same time support measures against poaching. We at SABRO will donate one euro from every Pangolin sleeping toy sold to a non-profit organization that is committed to protecting pangolins. By the way: even if pangolins outwardly resemble American armadillos or anteaters, they are not related to them, but belong – just like our dogs – to the genus of predators and have a similarly good sense of smell. However, the pangolin's diet consists of ants and termites, which the pangolin primarily hunts at night.
In Germany, the pangolin is unfortunately still relatively unknown
The pangolin is native to Africa and partly also to Asia. There are a total of about eight species that hunt at night and always stay in a predetermined habitat. For around 47 million years, it has withstood attacks or dangers by rolling up and becoming inedible for other prey animals due to its scales. For it has no teeth to defend itself. But with this tactic, it has made the calculation without humans. Poachers can therefore simply collect the motionless, rolled-up pangolin and sell it illegally.
Especially in China, pangolin scales are popular due to alleged magical healing powers to alleviate rheumatism, arthritis and various other complaints. However, the scales only contain keratin, which could also be obtained in other ways (even our fingernails contain keratin). Above all, the alleged healing power could not withstand any pharmaceutical testing. But superstition is too deeply rooted in the users to promote a rethink through education in the region. Perhaps also because the pangolin is the only scaly animal in the world and therefore something special.
Overall, we in Germany have less to do with the pangolin and are therefore not really aware of its dramatic situation. Pangolins are often mistaken for armadillos at first glance, which also belong to the endangered species. At SABRO, we quickly agreed: we need to do more against the extinction of the pangolin. We love animals and also want to support those that are rather unknown and have no big lobby.
The pangolin is illegally hunted and is therefore endangered
Each year, approximately 73,000 pangolins are legally permitted to be used by pharmaceutical companies in Asia to produce the highly demanded remedies from around 26 tons of scales obtained from them. In Africa, however, pangolins, or pinecone animals as they are also called, are hunted as a meat source and serve as food; in China and Vietnam, they are also a dish traded at up to 300 euros per kilogram of meat and considered a delicacy. Consequently, illegal trade in these animals is flourishing in all pangolin-native regions today.
Meanwhile, there are entire cartels and internationally organized criminal organizations dedicated to the illegal trade of pangolins. Thus, in addition to the legal 26 tons of scales, many illegal tons are added each year. In 2017 alone, authorities were able to intercept 47 tons of pangolin scales that were en route from Africa to Asia. How many tons were still shipped through constantly changed routes and transport channels is unknown.
In 2017, the WWF certified the pangolin as the most trafficked mammal in the world. According to estimates, well over a million pangolins have been illegally traded in recent years. And this is despite the fact that pangolins should actually be protected by species protection regulations and a categorical ban on their trade. Pangolins have long been on the Red List of endangered species. There is therefore no doubt: we must help the pangolin.
The pangolin as a sleeping toy should contribute to the protection of pangolins
Our new cuddle toy Pangolin naturally has no scales, but soft fur. It serves as a sleeping toy for your dog and, with its size of 55 cm long and 25 cm wide, is also suitable for larger dogs. It can be washed, can go in the dryer and quickly becomes an ever-present and beloved cuddle toy. It is very important to us that it serves as a patron saint for real pangolins. Therefore, we will donate one euro from each sold Pangolin sleeping toy to a non-profit organization for the protection of pangolins. PS: dog owners or plush toy lovers who are friends will also be happy about a Pangolin sleeping toy as a gift ☺️.
How do you like our Pangolin sleeping toy? Which endangered animals are particularly close to your heart? We look forward to your suggestions in the comments.
