Reminiscent of a small dinosaur, the cute pangolin, also known as a pangolin in Malay, is unfortunately now a globally endangered species. Our new Pangolin dog sleeping animal is dedicated to this cute animal and wants to do good: preserve the memory of the little guys and at the same time support measures against poaching. We at Sabro will donate one euro from every Pangolin sleeping animal sold to a charitable organization that works to protect the pangolins. By the way: even though pangolins look like American armadillos or anteaters, they are not related to them, but belong - just like our dogs - to the genus of carnivores and have a similarly good sense of smell. However, the pangolin's diet consists of ants and termites, which it hunts mainly at night.
Unfortunately, the pangolin is still rather unknown in Germany
The pangolin is at home in Africa and partly also in Asia. There are around eight species in total, which hunt at night and always stay in a predetermined habitat. For around 47 million years, it has defied attacks or dangers by curling up and using its scales to make itself inedible for other prey. This is because it has no teeth to defend itself. But with this tactic, it has not reckoned with humans. Poachers can therefore simply collect the motionless, curled-up pangolin and sell it illegally.
Pangolin scales are particularly popular in China due to their alleged magical healing powers to alleviate rheumatism, arthritis and various other ailments. 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 stand up to pharmaceutical testing. However, the superstition is too deep-seated among users to promote a change in thinking through education in the region. Perhaps also because the pangolin is the only pangolin 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. At first glance, pangolins are often confused with armadillos, which are also an endangered species. At Sabro, we therefore quickly agreed: we need to do more to prevent the extinction of the pangolin. We love animals and also want to support those that are rather unknown and don't have a big lobby.
The pangolin is hunted illegally and is therefore threatened with extinction
Legally, around 73,000 pangolins can be used by pharmaceutical companies in Asia every year to produce the highly sought-after medicinal products from around 26 tons of pangolin scales. In Africa, on the other hand, pangolins, or pine cones as they are also known, are hunted for meat and used as food. In China and Vietnam, too, they are an expensive delicacy that costs up to 300 euros per kilogram of meat. As a result, the illegal trade in pangolins is flourishing in all of their native regions.
There are now entire cartels and internationally organized criminal organizations dedicated to the illegal trade in pangolin. In addition to the legal 26 tons of sheds, many illegal tons are added every year. In 2017 alone, authorities intercepted 47 tons of pangolin scales on their way from Africa to Asia. It is unknown how many tons could still be shipped due to constantly changing routes and transport routes.
In 2017, the WWF confirmed that the pangolin is the most smuggled mammal in the world. According to estimates, well over a million pangolins have been traded illegally in recent years. This is despite the fact that pangolins should actually be protected by species protection regulations and a categorical ban on trade in them. The 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 animal is intended to help protect the pangolins
Our new cuddly toy Pangolin doesn't have scales, of course, 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 and tumble dried and will quickly become a much-loved cuddly toy. It is very important to us that it serves as a patron saint for real pangolins. That is why we will donate one euro from every Pangolin sleeping animal sold to a charitable organization for the protection of the Pangolin. PS: dog owner friends or cuddly toy lovers will also be delighted to receive a Pangolin sleeping animal as a gift ☺️.
How do you like our Pangolin sleeping animal? Which endangered animals are particularly close to your heart? We look forward to your suggestions in the comments.