A race against the flood: rare pangolin rescued in Kasur

WEB DESK: In the quiet fields near Bhikhi Wind, Kasur, as heavy rains turned roads into rivers and fields into lakes, a small, scaly creature found itself in unfamiliar danger. It was a pangolin, one of the world’s most elusive and endangered mammals, searching desperately for shelter as the floodwaters rose around it.

Pangolins, often called “scaly anteaters,” are solitary, nocturnal creatures known for their unique armor of overlapping scales and their gentle nature. Found across Asia and Africa, they live secretive lives in forests and grasslands, feeding mostly on ants and termites with their long, sticky tongues.

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Despite their peaceful existence, pangolins have become the most trafficked mammals in the world, poached mercilessly for their scales and meat. In Pakistan, sightings are rare, and each one is a reminder of the fragile balance between wildlife and human expansion.

This particular pangolin, disoriented and frightened, had been driven from its hidden burrow by the unrelenting floods. It wandered through the soaked landscape, instinctively looking for higher ground, a place where the water wouldn’t reach. Locals spotted the unusual creature, unsure of what it was, and quickly alerted authorities.

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Rescue personnel arrived swiftly, navigating the flooded terrain with care. Recognising the animal’s rarity, they handled the pangolin with both caution and compassion. Wet, muddy, and exhausted, the pangolin curled into a defensive ball, its natural response to threats, but soon uncurled when it realised it was safe.

The rescue team safely transferred the pangolin to the Wildlife Department, where specialists ensured it received proper care and a safe environment.

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In a world where many wild animals face growing threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and human interference, this small act of kindness in Kasur stood out. It was a reminder that compassion still exists, and that every life, no matter how rare or hidden, is worth saving.