Wild about Pangolin

Meet Marimba, an ambassador for her rare and unique species...

Have you heard of a pangolin? Perhaps you've seen their image in a wildlife book or caught a fleeting mention of their plight on the news.

But have you ever seen one? For even the most avid safari-goer and bush enthusiast, encountering a wild pangolin is a once-in-a-lifetime event. These shy, secretive, and nocturnal creatures are masters of evasion, making them one of the most elusive animals on the planet.

At Wild is Life, we have the privilege of being home to Marimba, a charismatic and resilient pangolin who has become an ambassador for her species. Her presence is both a joy and a solemn reminder of the fragility of nature’s wonders.

Marimba has formed close bonds with her two Carers - Mateo (pictured here) and Jani - who have been with her for 18 years.

What Makes Pangolins So Unique?

Pangolins, often described as "scaled anteaters," are unlike any other mammal. Covered in protective keratin scales, they have a prehistoric appearance that captivates anyone lucky enough to see them.

When threatened, they curl into a tight ball, using their armour-like scales to shield themselves from predators. Once they are curled up into this ball - NOTHING can open a pangolin - not even a lion or hyena. This defence mechanism, while effective in the wild, tragically makes them an easy target for poachers.

Despite their unique charm, pangolins remain a mystery. Scientists don’t know how long they live, how many still exist in the wild, or even the full extent of their behaviours.

Pangolins walk on two legs! Making them bipedal - just like us… But the only bipedal mammals with scales.

What we do know is sobering: pangolins are the most trafficked mammal in the world. The main reason they are poached is for their scales which are highly sought after for traditional medicine. Some people incorrectly believe that their scales can cure cancer and a variety of ailments. If that were the case, then eating one's own nails would have the same effect. Their scales are made from keratin, the same substance as our hair and nails. Their meat is sadly also considered a delicacy and a sign of great wealth and status in some cultures.

This has pushed all eight species of pangolins to the brink of extinction.

Marimba’s Story

Marimba came to Wild is Life, just over 18 years ago, after her mother was sadly a victim of poaching. Marimba was only a tiny pangolin pup, and we assume she was only a few months old. Without her mother, Marimba’s survival depended on intensive care and dedicated support from the Team.

Every day she opens her eyes, Marimba makes history... She's the oldest (on record) living ground pangolin alive in captivity and is used as the reference point for how long this subspecies of pangolin live. So we are unsure of how much longer she will live... She now weighs 10.8kgs and has been that weight for 5 years now, which allows us to assume she is fully grown. We hope she will outlive us all - she does look like a dinosaur after all...

Marimba is a ground pangolin, also known as a Temminck's pangolin or Cape pangolin and is one of the four subspecies of pangolin found in Africa.

Pangolins used to be found all over the world, but today they are only found in Asia and Africa. All 8 are species are considered critically endangered.

Marimba’s Daily Routine

Marimba’s days are carefully curated to ensure her well-being and happiness. Here is a glimpse into her daily life:

- Sunrise: Every morning, Marimba’s caregiver, Jani, gently wakes her up. Although pangolins are naturally nocturnal, Marimba has been trained to be diurnal for her safety and that of her carers.

- Morning Weigh-In: First thing in the morning, Marimba is weighed on an empty stomach. This process is repeated in the evening to ensure she has eaten enough during the day.

- Morning Foraging: After her weigh-in, Marimba is placed in a specially designed pangolin pouch (a backpack) that Jani carries while cycling around the sanctuary. Together, they search for anthills. Once they find a promising spot, Marimba is set down, and she gets to work.

Using her long claws, she digs into the anthill. Then, she unfurls her sticky, elongated tongue, which the ants rush onto. Sand often sticks to her tongue too, and without teeth, she uses the grit to help crush the ants as she swallows them. After about five minutes, the ants realize they are under attack and release formic acid, which smells and tastes unpleasant to Marimba. At this point, she moves on to the next anthill. Jani and Marimba can cover up to 80 anthills a day during their foraging adventures.

- Evening Weigh-In: Before settling in for the night, Marimba is weighed again to ensure she has had a successful day of feeding.

- Nighttime Wind-Down: Marimba ends her day with some quiet time in her room before tucking herself into her bed, with her teddy (yes, we do treat her like a princess).

This routine not only keeps Marimba healthy but also mirrors the natural behaviors of pangolins in the wild, fostering her physical and emotional well-being.

Marimba captures the hearts of everyone she meets. Here pictured comfortably sitting on her Carer Jani.

Marimba’s journey to Wild is Life is one of resilience and hope. Rescued from a dire situation, she now thrives in an environment designed to meet her unique needs.

Through Marimba, we’ve had the opportunity to educate thousands of visitors to the Sanctuary about the plight of pangolins. Each year she also meets hundreds of local school Zimbabwean children - who learn about how important protecting their natural legacy is.

Her story sparks conversations, raises awareness, and inspires action. She’s more than just a pangolin - she’s a symbol of what’s at stake if we fail to protect our natural world.

We hope to welcome you one day to Wild is Life so you can meet her for yourself!

We love your questions and comments, so leave us one below.