Amba’s story: from rescue to release

Stolen from the wild

When Amba was found inside a trafficker’s home, he was fighting for his life. 

He had been stolen from the wild and pulled into the illegal wildlife trade, where pangolins are killed for their scales and meat. When rescuers found him, he was buried beneath what remained of other pangolins, covered in parasites and barely surviving. 

And sadly, Amba’s story is not unique. 

Pangolins are believed to be among the most trafficked mammals in the world. Gentle and completely defenseless, these shy animals curl into a tiny ball when they feel afraid because it’s the only way they know how to protect themselves. 

But against the illegal wildlife trade, that defense is no match.

Amba's second chance

For pangolins caught in the wildlife trade, rescue can mean the difference between life and death. 

After Amba was rescued, he was brought into specialized care where he slowly began to heal. Day by day, he regained his strength. He started eating again. Digging again. Acting like a pangolin again. 

And finally, after months of care and rehabilitation, Amba was able to return to the wild where he belongs. 

His story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when animals are given a second chance. 

Help protect more animals like Amba

But countless animals are still at risk from the illegal wildlife trade. 

That’s why World Animal Protection and our partners are working to stop wildlife trafficking at its source through investigations, stronger wildlife protections and efforts to reduce the demand driving this suffering. 

All images courtesy of: Shutterstock / Arief Budi Kusuma & Jakarta Animal Aid Network