A rescue in real time
Blog
Detection dog Bailey helps rescue trafficked pangolins before it’s too late.
Following the scent
When a shipment moves through an airport or border crossing, there’s no sign that a frightened pangolin could be hidden inside. To most people, it looks ordinary.
But Bailey knows something is wrong.
Bailey is a specially trained detection dog who works alongside wildlife protection teams and our local partner, Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), to help uncover trafficked animals and animal parts hidden inside luggage, shipping containers and vehicles.
And in moments like these, every second matters.
What happens after a detection
When Bailey alerts her team, investigators move quickly. Bags are searched. Containers are opened. Evidence is documented. And if live animals are found, rescue teams step in immediately.
For pangolins caught in the wildlife trade, they are often frightened, dehydrated, injured and severely traumatized. Many have been taken from the wild and then subjected to long and stressful journeys. Some do not survive.
That’s why rescue is only the beginning.
From rescue to recovery
After being intercepted, rescued pangolins are transported into specialized care where veterinary teams work to stabilize them and begin rehabilitation.
Slowly, the animals begin to recover. They regain strength. They start eating again. And when possible, they are eventually released back into the wild where they belong.
But none of this happens without an enormous amount of coordination, expertise and resources behind the scenes.
What’s inside an animal rescue kit
That’s why we created the Rescue Kit – to help support the work needed to protect animals from the illegal wildlife trade.
Each kit helps support critical efforts including:
- Raise awareness about the harms of the wildlife trade
- Strengthen protections for vulnerable wildlife
- Improve monitoring and understanding of wildlife trafficking
- Encourage stronger action from governments and businesses
- Reduce demand for wild animals and wildlife products
- Help prevent animals from being taken from the wild in the first place
Help protect animals from the illegal wildlife trade
Right now, countless animals are at risk from wildlife trafficking.
But with your support, we can help address the illegal wildlife trade through investigations, stronger wildlife protections and partnerships that help keep animals safe.
All images courtesy of: Jakarta Animal Aid Network
