Sunda pangolin dies from rare skin disease 7 years after Mandai Wildlife Reserve rescue

A male rescued Sunda pangolin in Singapore, named Berani, has died of a rare skin disease.

Mandai Wildlife Reserve announced his death in a Facebook post on Sep. 15.

Surgery for 'brave' pangolin

Rescued in 2018, Berani was the first of his kind to undergo an orthopaedic surgery on his hind leg.

His name means "brave" in Malay.

Rare skin disease

Though Berani survived the surgery, there were changes in his health a few months ago.

The Mandai Wildlife Reserve veterinary team diagnosed him with a rare skin disease.

In response to queries from Mothership, Mandai Wildlife Reserve said the disease is an autoimmune disease called pemphigus.

As a result, Berani endured five months of intensive treatment.

"Throughout this time, our teams gave our best to ensure he was well cared for and received the best treatment possible," said his keeper Shahnom.

He added that despite all efforts, Berani's condition worsened.

"We had to make the difficult decision to let him go," said Shahnom.

Rescued in 2018

He said the pangolin "was special to us and his story has inspired many".

Shahnom added that he had been caring for Berani since the Sunda pangolin joined Mandai Wildlife Reserve six years ago.

In the video, he described Berani to be one of the highlights to look out for along the Pangolin Trail at Night Safari.

He said: "I always think of him because of his little antics and his adorable face."

He added that Berani was one of the most playful pangolins in Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Berani also knew when keepers were coming to feed him and would be waiting in front of the door, said Shahnom.

Heavily trafficked

According to Mandai Wildlife Reserve's website, the Sunda pangolin is the most heavily trafficked mammal in the illegal wildlife trade.

It is also one of the most threatened species in the world.

In Singapore, it is mainly threatened by road traffic accidents.

Top photos via Mandai Wildlife Reserve's Facebook