This Orphaned Animal Is The Smallest Of Her Kind That Rescuers Have Ever Seen

A shockingly small baby pangolin was rescued by a passerby on the streets of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.The kind stranger immediately brought the tiny creature to thePhnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, which specializes in rescuing wild animals.

^{Source: Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center}

It was clear upon arrival that the animal was extremely vulnerable. He wasn't even able to open his eyes.While the reason that this young pangolin was separated from his mother at such a tender age remains unknown, this scenario is all too common.Sadly, pangolins are the most trafficked animals in the world and the survival of the species is seriously threatened by the illegal trade of these harmless and fearful animals.Every year, more than 100,000 of them are torn away from their natural habitats and sent mainly to China and Vietnam, where their meat and scales are extremely precious.

^{Source: Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center}

Luckily, with the proper care from extremely dedicated volunteers who bottle fed her every day, the rescued baby pangolin rapidly grew in strength. They told The Dodo:

She is drinking well and is already a very strong climber. Please send her your love and strength.

 ^{Source: Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center}

If you would like to support thePhnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centerand help them continue their amazing work, you can make a donation, here.According to World Wildlife (WWF), there is a “massive international illegal trade” for pangolins, and the eight varieties of the species range from “vulnerable to critically endangered” on their scale.

^{Source: Zoological society of London}

Save Vietnam’s Wildlife fights against trafficking and illegal trade in Southeast Asia. To find out more about their work and support the cause click, here.

^{H/t: The Dodo}

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