Words by Abi Scaife
An undercover sting has helped to protect endangered pangolins.
Amazing! What’s the story?
Pangolin’s are the world’s most trafficked animal, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) - their scales are used in traditional medicines across Asia, while the meat is eaten in Africa.
All eight species of pangolin are labelled threatened - while three are listed as endangered.
How does the sting come into it?
The Wildlife Justice Commission is a charity set up in 2015 to fight against animal trafficking. Over the course of two years, with a number of undercover officers, the charity took down a whole operation including some of the top perpetrators - both sellers and buyers.
While there is still a long way to go, this incredible charity has made a huge difference to this precious creature, and so many other species that suffer from poaching and trafficking.
If you want to learn more about the Wildlife Justice Commission, you can find out more on their website.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Born Free. This is a wildlife conservation charity that’s passionate about wild animal welfare and Compassionate Conservation. Find out more here.
The Orangutan Project. This is a project run by two non-profits with one mission: to ensure the survival of all orangutan species in their natural habitat and promote the welfare of all orangutans. Support them here.
Wildlife Justice Commission. This international foundation works to end animal trafficking around the globe. Find out more here.
